Also 5 flotgrese, 6 floter-, 7–8 flot, 6–9 flote-grasa. [f. FLOAT sb. or v.; cf. Du. vlotgras.] A name given to various species of grass sedge growing in marshy ground, swampy meadows, etc.; e.g., Glyceria fluitans and Alopecurus geniculatus.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 168/1. Flot grese, ulva.
1597. Gerard, Herball, I. xi. § 2. 13. The second [spiked Flote grasse] is called Gramen fluuiatile spicatum: likewise Flote grasse and Floter grasse, bicause they swim and flote in the water.
1640. Parkinson, Theat. Bot., XIV. xl. 1276. 10. Gramen Fluviatile cornutum, Horned Flote grasse.
1725. Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Springs, The Furrows and Water Tracts, where they usually stalk and paddle for Worms, Flotgrass, Roots, and the like Things, on which they feed.
1863. Prior, Plant-n., 82. Float—or more properly Flote-Grass … Poa fluitans.
