Chĕr'vil, n.

n. [A-S. cerfille, O. H. Ger. kervela, kervila, kervola, M. H. Ger. kervele, N. H. Ger. kerbel, D. kervel, from Lat. cærefolium, chærophyllum, Gr. χαιρέφυλλον, from χαίρειν, to rejoice, and φύλλον, leaf; Fr. cerfeuil, Sp. cerfoglio, It. cerfoglio.] (Bot.) A plant of the genus Chærophyllum, one species of which (C. sativum) is used in soups and salads.