Bot. Also 4–5 (8) tapsus, 8 thapsos. [med.L., a. Gr. θάψος a plant used for dyeing yellow (Dioscor.).] An old name of the genus Verbascum, esp. of V. Thapsus, the great mullein.
a. 1387. Sinon. Barthol., 41/2. Tapsus barbastus, flosmus idem.
1578. Lyte, Dodoens, I. lxxxi. 119. Mulleyn is called … in Shoppes Tapsus Barbatus.
1718. Rowe, trans. Lucan, IX. 1566. The Gummy Larch-Tree and the Thapsos there, Wound-wort and Maiden-weed perfume the Air.
