Fennel \Fen"nel\ (f[e^]n"n[e^]l), n. [AS. fenol, finol, from L.
feniculum, faeniculum, dim. of fenum, faenum, hay: cf. F.
fenouil. Cf. Fenugreek. Finochio.] (Bot.)
A perennial plant of the genus F[ae]niculum ({F. vulgare}),
having very finely divided leaves. It is cultivated in
gardens for the agreeable aromatic flavor of its seeds.
Smell of sweetest fennel. --Milton.
A sprig of fennel was in fact the theological smelling
bottle of the tender sex. --S. G.
Goodrich.
Azorean, or Sweet, fennel, ({F[ae]niculum dulce}). It is
a smaller and stouter plant than the common fennel, and is
used as a pot herb.
Dog's fennel ({Anthemis Cotula}), a foul-smelling European
weed; -- called also mayweed.
Fennel flower (Bot.), an herb ({Nigella}) of the Buttercup
family, having leaves finely divided, like those of the
fennel. N. Damascena is common in gardens. N. sativa
furnishes the fennel seed, used as a condiment, etc., in
India. These seeds are the ``fitches'' mentioned in Isaiah
(xxviii. 25).
Fennel water (Med.), the distilled water of fennel seed. It
is stimulant and carminative.
Giant fennel ({Ferula communis}), has stems full of pith,
which, it is said, were used to carry fire, first, by
Prometheus.
Hog's fennel, a European plant ({Peucedanum officinale})
looking something like fennel.
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