Daf"fo*dil (?), n. [OE. affodylle, prop., the asphodel, fr. LL. affodillus (cf. D. affodille or OF. asphodile, aphodille, F. asphodele), L. asphodelus, fr. Gr. . The initial d in English is not satisfactorily explained. See Asphodel.] Bot. (a)

A plant of the genus Asphodelus.

(b)

A plant of the genus Narcissus (N. Pseudo-narcissus). It has a bulbous root and beautiful flowers, usually of a yellow hue. Called also daffodilly, daffadilly, daffadowndilly, daffydowndilly, etc.

With damasc roses and daffadowndillies set. Spenser.

Strow me the ground with daffadowndillies, And cowslips, and kingcups, and loved lilies. Spenser.

A college gown That clad her like an April Daffodilly. Tennyson

And chance-sown daffodil. Whittier.

 

© Webster 1913.