Nose gays

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nosegaynoun

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun nosegay, two of which are labelled obsolete.

As we celebrate the beauty and charm of nosegays, we invite you to explore the world of floral art and perhaps even create your own personalized bouquet.

Some of his works are displays of abundance; others, only a festoon or a nosegay.
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From the

Hansard archive

I should like to add to the nosegay the humble leek.
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nose gays

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This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license. Modern nosegays often feature a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, with a focus on aesthetics and personal expression.

Nosegays have also found a place in the world of fashion, as they make for beautiful and unique accessories.

After all, nothing says 'I care' quite like a lovingly crafted nosegay.

Meaning of nosegay in English

Others have had to bring in nosegays because of the stench.
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The flower are generally considered not suitable for picking but may be used in nosegays and tussy-mussies. They were originally conceived as a way to mask unpleasant odors in the streets and public spaces. This secret floral code allowed individuals to express their feelings and convey messages without the need for spoken or written words.

Nosegays became popular gifts during this period, as lovers, friends, and family members would carefully select flowers and herbs to create a meaningful and personalized bouquet.

From the

Hansard archive

Alternately, a modified nosegay that a prom date can carry in her hand or a pin-on type corsage.

The stench was overwhelming and people walked around with handkerchiefs or nosegays pressed against their nostrils. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

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nosegay is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons:nosen., gayn.

Earliest known use

early 1500s

The earliest known use of the noun nosegay is in the early 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for nosegay is from around 1500, in Assembly of the Gods.

Nearby entries

  1. nose-driven, adj.1952–
  2. nose-dropping, adj.1615–
  3. nose drops, n.1938–
  4. nose-end, n.c1440–
  5. nose-ender, n.1854–
  6. no-see-um, n.1837–
  7. nose-fish, n.1828
  8. nose-flute, n.1775–
  9. nose fly, n.1775–
  10. nose-fuse, n.1888–
  11. nosegay, n.c1500–
  12. nosegay-dance, n.1611
  13. nosegay flower, n.1600–1855
  14. nosegay garden, n.1600
  15. nosegay-maker, n.1597
  16. nosegay plant, n.1837
  17. nose gear, n.1959–
  18. nosegent, n.1567
  19. nose glasses, n.1890–
  20. nose gristle, n.Old English–1642
  21. nose-grown, adj.1611
Browse more nearby entries

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From

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Today, they continue to be a popular choice for weddings, proms, and other special occasions.

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web.

So a "nosegay" was an ornament that appeals to the nose or nostril. A red rose might signify passionate love, while lavender could represent devotion, and sage would symbolize wisdom.

The charm and allure of nosegays have stood the test of time.

The Victorian era, in particular, witnessed a fascination with the "language of flowers," where each flower and herb held a specific meaning.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license. Made up of sweet-smelling flowers, herbs, and spices, nosegays were held close to the nose, releasing delightful fragrances that would help counteract the less-than-pleasant scents of the time.

Over time, nosegays evolved from their utilitarian roots and took on a more romantic and symbolic role.