Obs.–0 [Of obscure formation; prob. a corruption of the L. name fel terræ ‘gall of the earth,’ given to the plant on account of its bitterness and perhaps also its yellow color.] = Earth-gall; prob. the Yellow Centaury (Chlora perfoliata).
The name earth-gall appears to have been sometimes applied also to the Lesser Centaury (Erythræa Centaureum), and perhaps to other gentianaceous plants.
[c. 1000. Sax. Leechd., II. 126. Wiþ asleȝenum lice, brom; feltere; ȝearwe; hofe.]
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 154/2. Feltryke, herbe, fistra, fel terre, centaurea.
1530. Palsgr., 219/2. Feltryke an herbe.
