Lāv'en-der, n.

n. [L. Lat. lavendula, lavandula, It. lavendola, lavanda, Sp. lavendula, Fr. lavande, Ger. lavandel, from Lat. lavare, to wash,—so called because it was used in bathing and washing.] (Bot.) An aromatic plant of the genus Lavandula (L. vera), common in the south of Europe. It yields an oil used in medicine and perfumery. The Spike-lavender (L. spica) yields a coarser oil, used in the arts.

Lavender-color, the color of lavender flowers, being nearly a grayish-blue.—Lavender-water, a perfume composed of spirits of wine, essential oil of lavender, and ambergris.—Sea-lavender. See MARSH-ROSEMARY.—To lay in lavender, to pawn;—so said because things pawned are carefully laid away, like clothes which have lavender scattered among them to keep them sweet; hence, to lay away nicely or carefully. [Obs.] Nares.

☞— The lavender was sometimes used as an emblem of affection. Nares.

He from his lass him lavender hath sent, Showing his love, and doth requital crave. Drayton.