[STAR sb.1; cf. G. sterndistel.] A name for the weed Centaurea Calcitrapa, the flowers of which are surrounded by radiating spines; also for C. solstitialis, and as a book-name for the whole genus.
1578. Lyte, Dodoens, IV. lix. 521. This herbe is nowe called in Latine Carduus stellatus, and Stellaria, also Calcitrapa:… they call it … in base Almaigne, Sterre distel: in English Starre Thistel or Caltrop.
1597. Gerarde, Herbal, II. cccclxx. 1003. The Star Thistle, called Carduus stellatus, hath many soft frized leaues.
1753. Chambers’ Cycl., Suppl. App., Star-thistle, the English name of a species of centaury, called by some calcitrapa.
1822. Hortus Anglicus, II. 418. C. Solstitialis. St. Barnaby’s Star Thistle.
1863. Prior, Plant-n., Star-Thistle, from its spiny involucre, resembling the weapon called a morning star, Centaurea solstitialis.
