A common masculine personal name, used in the names of certain species of pinks and other flowers: now only in SWEET-WILLIAM. † Wild Williams, the Ragged Robin (Lychnis Flos-cuculi).
1597. Gerarde, Herbal, II. clxxv. 481. The Crow flower is called … wilde Williams, marsh Gilloflowers, and Cockowe Gilloflowers.
1650. [W. Howe], Phytol. Brit., 10. Armerius sylvestris.… Crowflower and Wild Williams. Armeria flore simplici, William with single flower in a Wood beyond Redding.
1785. Martyn, Lett. Bot., xix. (1794), 276. Ragged-Robin, Meadow-Pinks, Wild-Williams.
¶ William pear: see WILLIAMS.
