Nose gays

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The Charming History of Nosegays

Floral art has a rich history, with various traditions and styles originating from different cultures and eras.

From

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From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.

Meaning of nosegay in English

Others have had to bring in nosegays because of the stench.

From the

Hansard archive

I should like to add to the nosegay the humble leek.

Handheld bouquets are classified by several different popular shapes and styles, including nosegay, crescent, and cascading bouquets. Made up of sweet-smelling flowers, herbs, and spices, nosegays were held close to the nose, releasing delightful fragrances that would help counteract the less-than-pleasant scents of the time.

Over time, nosegays evolved from their utilitarian roots and took on a more romantic and symbolic role.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license. They were originally conceived as a way to mask unpleasant odors in the streets and public spaces.

Whether you're looking for a traditional Victorian-inspired bouquet or something more modern and whimsical, we have a wide variety of flowers and greenery to choose from.

The stench was overwhelming and people walked around with handkerchiefs or nosegays pressed against their nostrils.

You can even incorporate the language of flowers to add a touch of sentimentality and symbolism to your nosegay.

The history of nosegays is a fascinating tale of how a simple and practical solution to mask unpleasant odors transformed into a cherished art form that continues to delight and enchant to this day. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.

From the

Hansard archive

I gather that in the eighteenth century people carried nosegays of flowers because the sweet scent of the flowers counteracted the vile smell of the streets.

From the

Hansard archive

Alternately, a modified nosegay that a prom date can carry in her hand or a pin-on type corsage.

It was not allowed to give flowers, not even the smallest nosegay.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license. After all, nothing says 'I care' quite like a lovingly crafted nosegay.

nosegaynoun

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun nosegay, two of which are labelled obsolete.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license. This secret floral code allowed individuals to express their feelings and convey messages without the need for spoken or written words.

Nosegays became popular gifts during this period, as lovers, friends, and family members would carefully select flowers and herbs to create a meaningful and personalized bouquet.