A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Vervane, -ain, Werwene, n. [ME and e.m.E. verveyne (Gower), verwayne (a1400) the plant vervain, veruen (1548) verbena, as used in garlands, OF verveine.] a. Verbena, twigs, etc. of olive, myrtle, etc. used in garlands in sacred ceremonies. b. Vervain. Only comb. —a. 1513 Doug. xii iii 19.
Thar hedis dicht In wyppys of the haly herb vervane 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Eclogues viii 65.
Verbena est herba consecrata Veneri, dicitur verbena quasi Veneris vena; accipitur autem pro quavis herba sacrificiis apta werwene —b. 1684 Sibbald Scot. Illustr. ii 8.
Alcea Vulgaris … B.P. Vervain-mallow
