shamrock (definition)

Sham"rock (?), n. [L. seamrog, seamar, trefoil, white clover, white honeysuckle; akin to Gael. seamrag.] Bot.

A trifoliate plant used as a national emblem by the Irish. The legend is that St. Patrick once plucked a leaf of it for use in illustrating the doctrine of the trinity.

⇒ The original plant was probably a kind of wood sorrel (Oxalis Acetocella); but now the name is given to the white clover (Trifolium repens), and the black medic (Medicago lupulina).

© Webster 1913.

• Botany
• Webster 1913