marigold meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

marigold

nounalso spelled Marigold

UK /ˈmæɹ.ɪˌɡəʊld/ · US /ˈmæɹ.ɪˌɡoʊld/

Etymology From Middle English marigolde, marygoldye, from Mary (referring to the Virgin Mary) + Middle English golde (“marigold”).

Any of the Old World plants, of the genus Calendula, with orange, yellow or reddish flowers.

A piece of marigold or bay leaf was imbedded in the metal, and over it a carbuncle or chrysolite was placed.1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 155:
After studying the book for several minutes, he began to assemble a weird collection of plants and herbs on the floor in front of him. Hemlock and foxglove, ivy and deadnettle, henbane and marigold[.]1970, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 12:

Any of the New World plants, of the genus Tagetes, with orange, yellow or reddish flowers.

Native Americans introduced whites and slaves to several edible greens including marigold, milkweed, and pokeweed (Whit 2007).2009, Herbert C. Covey, Dwight Eisnach, What the Slaves Ate, ABC-CLIO, →ISBN, page 87:

UK, Obsolete, Slang A million pounds sterling.

UK, Alternative Alternative form of Marigold (rubber glove for cleaning).

Derived terms: African marigold, Aztec marigold, bur marigold, corn marigold, desert marigold, fig marigold, French marigold, marigolded, marigold window, marsh marigold, Mexican marigold, pot marigold, sea marigold

adj

Etymology From Middle English marigolde, marygoldye, from Mary (referring to the Virgin Mary) + Middle English golde (“marigold”).

Having the color of marigolds, a bright yellowish-orange hue.

noun

Etymology From the flower. The rubber gloves are generally bright yellow in colour.

UK, Plural normally, Sometimes, With capital A rubber glove, especially one for use in household cleaning.

Genericised brand name