Thyme (?), n. [OE. tyme, L. thymum, Gr. , ; cf. , to sacrifice, a sacrifice, offering, incense: cf. F. thym; -- perhaps so named because of its sweet smell. Cf. Fume, n.] Bot.
Any plant of the labiate genus Thymus. The garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a warm, pungent aromatic, much used to give a relish to seasoning and soups.
Ankle deep in moss and flowery thyme.
Cowper.
Cat thyme, a labiate plant (Teucrium Marum) of the Mediterranean religion. Cats are said to be fond of rolling on it. J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants). -- Wild thyme, Thymus Serpyllum, common on banks and hillsides in Europe.
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.