Obs. rare–1. [? obs. F., ad. med.L. T(h)apsus barbatus, former name of Verbascum Thapsus.] The Great Torch Mullein.
c. 1450. Alphita (Anecd. Oxon.) 182/1. Tapsus barbatus maior masculus,… g[allice] molayne, an[glice] catesteyl, uel feldwrt.]
1526. Grete Herball, ccccvii. (1529), Y ij b. Tapsebarbe is a maner of herbe called moleyne, wherof is made a maner of torches whan it is greased.
