[f. BOTANIC after analogy of sbs. in -y related to adjs. in -ic, as astronomy and astronomic.]
1. The science that treats of plants.
1696. Ray, Philos. Lett. (1718), 290. The great difficulties the lovers of Botanie are forced to encounter.
1706. Hearne, Rem. & Coll. (1885), I. 233. A man much inclined to Botanny.
1710. M. Henry, Exp. Song of Sol., iv. Solomon was a great master in botany.
1880. Gray, Struct. Bot., Introd. 1. The two Biological Sciences … Zoology and Botany.
2. Short for ‘Botany Bay.’ Usually attrib. as in Botany wool: orig. wool from Botany Bay, but now applied to all Australian wool. Botany yarn: yarn made from this wool.
1882. Daily News, 4 March. A fair business is doing in botany yarns.
1883. Times, 27 Aug., 9/5. English & Botany wools are in fair request at late rates.
1883. Daily News, 17 Sept., 2/3. Fine Botany wools are still the most in favour.
