[See FIG sb.1 3 a.] The name of certain plants reputed to cure the ‘fig.’ a. The pilewort (Ranunculus Ficaria). b. The genus Scrophularia, esp. S. aquatica and S. nodosa.

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  a.  1548.  Turner, Names of Herbes (E.D.S.), 42. The second kynde called in latine Chelidonium minus, is called in englishe Fygwurt.

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1578.  Lyte, Dodoens, I. xx. 31. The lesser [celandyne] is called … in English Pyleworte or Figworte.

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  b.  1597.  Gerard, Herball, II. ccxxxiv. 579. There is another Figwoort called Scrophularia Indica.

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1668.  Wilkins, Real Char., II. iv. § 5. 105. Figwort, an Herb [Scrophularia].

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1758.  Mrs. Delany, Life & Corr., III. 507. Matfellon and figwort flourish here remarkably, and the purple vetch and eyebright soften the golden furs, and glowing heath.

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1865.  Gosse, Land & Sea (1874), 7. The figwort with its brown bead-like blossoms.

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