[mod.L. syringa, f. Gr. συριγγ, σῦριγξ pipe, SYRINX. First applied (by Lobel, 1576) to the mock-orange, from its stems being used for pipe-stems, later (by Linnæus, 1735) to the lilac, formerly called also pipe-tree, of which it remains the botanical generic name. Cf. SERINGA.] Any of the shrubs of the genus Philadelphus, esp. P. coronarius, the mock-orange, having creamy-white strongly sweet-scented flowers, cultivated as an ornamental shrub.
1664. Evelyn, Kal. Hort., 67. May … Flowers in Prime, or yet lasting…. Syringa’s, Sedum’s…. Valerian, Veronica [etc.].
1707. Mortimer, Husb. (1721), II. 389. Plant Roses, Lilac, Syringas.
1728. Bradley, Dict. Bot., Syringa flore albo simplici, the single white Pipe-Tree, commonly call’d Syringa by the Gardeners.
1784. Cowper, Task, VI. 150. Laburnum, rich In streaming gold; Syringa, iv’ry pure.
1862. Mrs. H. Wood, Mrs. Hallib., lxxiv. Don’t cut too much of that syringa; its sweetness is overpowering in a room.
1904. A. C. Benson, House of Quiet, xxix. A big syringa which stands above the bowling-green.
attrib. 1783. Phil. Trans., LXXV. 14. The trifurcated branch of a Syringa bush, or Philadelphus.
1849. Balfour, Man. Bot., § 865. Philadelphaceæ, the Syringa Family.
