[18th c. a. F. bosquet, ad. It. boschetto, dim. of bosco wood. See also the earlier forms BUSHET, BUSKET; and cf. BOUQUET.] A plantation in a garden, park, etc., of underwood and small trees; a thicket.
1737. Miller, Gard. Dict., Bosquets … are small Compartments of Gardens … form’d of Trees, Shrubs, or tall large growing plants.
1828. Scott, F. M. Perth, I. 316. There are bushes and boskets enough by the river side.
1833. T. Hook, Parson’s Dau., II. viii. 238. A gravel circle encompassing a bosquet of laurel, laurestinus and holly.
a. 1847. Mrs. Sherwood, Lady of Manor, IV. xviii. 27. Nothing was to be seen but stiff parterres, trim avenues, close bosquets, grottoes, and Chinese bridges.
1859. L. Oliphant, China & Japan, I. xii. 237. Charming little boskets with mossy seats.
Hence Bosquettish a.
1881. Academy, No. 491. 252. To him plants become bosquettish.
