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pansy

noun

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L24847 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈpæn.zi/

adj

Etymology: From Middle French pensée (“thought”), as the plant resembles someone that is in deep thought, with a lowered head. Doublet of pensée.

  1. Wimpy; spineless; feeble.
  2. Of a deep purple colour, like that of the pansy.

name

Etymology: From pansy (“type of flower”).

  1. A female given name.

noun

Etymology: From Middle French pensée (“thought”), as the plant resembles someone that is in deep thought, with a lowered head. Doublet of pensée.

  1. A cultivated flowering plant, derived by hybridization within species Viola tricolor.

    The Daughters of the Flood have ſearch'd the Mead / For Violets pale, and cropt the Poppy's Head: / The Short Narciſſus and fair Daffodil, / Pancies to pleaſe the Sight, and Caſſia ſvveet to ſmell: […]

    Oh, what a perfect thought. Lilies-of-the-valley, and white pansies, double white violets and white velvet ribbon… From an unknown friend. … From one who understands. … For a Little Girl.

  2. A deep purple colour, like that of the pansy.
  3. Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Junonia.
  4. A timid, weak man or boy; a wuss.
  5. A male homosexual, especially one who is effeminate.

verb

Etymology: From Middle French pensée (“thought”), as the plant resembles someone that is in deep thought, with a lowered head. Doublet of pensée.

  1. To mess about; to fail to get things done.