| costmary | (n) tansy-scented Eurasian perennial herb with buttonlike yellow flowers; used as potherb or salad green and sometimes for potpourri or tea or flavoring; sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum, Syn. Chrysanthemum balsamita, bible leaf, balsam herb, Tanacetum balsamita, alecost, mint geranium |
| costmary | (n) leaves used sparingly (because of bitter overtones) in sauces and soups and stuffings |
| Costmary | n. [ L. costum an Oriental aromatic plant (Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;, cf. Ar. kost, kust) + Maria Mary. Cf. Alecost. ] (Bot.) A garden plant (Chrysanthemum Balsamita) having a strong balsamic smell, and nearly allied to tansy. It is used as a pot herb and salad plant and in flavoring ale and beer. Called also |