Forms: 1 alexandre, 3–4 alisaundre, 5–6 alysaunder, 7 allis-, alys-, 8 ales-, 7–9 alis-, 6– alexander(s. [Cf. Fr. alexandre (Lyte’s Dodoens), alisandre Palsg., alisaundre, alissandere Godef., med.L. name Petroselinum Alexandrinum, a synonym of P. Macedonicum. The note in Holland’s Pliny (1634), II. 30 that alisanders is ‘a corrupt word from olus atrum, as if one would say olusatres,’ seems disproved by the 10th c. alexandre.]

1

  An umbelliferous plant (Smyrnium Olusatrum), called also Horse-parsley, formerly cultivated and eaten like celery.

2

c. 940.  Sax. Leechd., II. 120. Wyrc to drence alexandre.

3

c. 1300.  in Wright, Lyric P., v. 26. With alisaundre thare-to, ache ant anys.

4

c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., Alysaunder, herbe, or stanmarche, Macedonia.

5

1578.  Lyte, Dodoens, 608. In Frenche Grand Ache or Alexandre … in English, Alexanders.

6

1579.  Langham, Gard. Health (1633), II. Alysander, the seeds drunke alone … dissolueth winde and griping in the body.

7

1580.  Tusser, Husb., xl. Herbes and rootes for sallets and sauce, Alexanders, at all times.

8

1669.  J. W[orlidge], Syst. Agric. (1681), 270. Now sow … Sellery, Smallage, Allisanders.

9

1813.  Marshall, Gard., xv. (ed. 5), 214. Alexander is a culinary plant, formerly much used, but has given way to celery.

10

1861.  Pratt, Flower. Pl., III. 9. Smyrnium (Alexanders).

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