E. Ind. Also 7 tulce, 9. tulsee, toolsee, -si, -sy. [Hindī tūlsī:—Skr. tulasī.] A species of basil (Ocimum sanctum), sacred to Vishnu, cultivated by the Hindus as a sacred plant. Also attrib.
1698. Fryer, Acc. E. India & P., 199. Having a little place or two built up a Foot Square of Mud, where they plant Calaminth, or (by them called) Tulce, which they worship every Morning.
1813. J. Forbes, Oriental Mem., III. 62. A garden and fountain with an altar of Tulsee, the sacred plant of the Brahmins.
1834. [A. Prinsep], Baboo, II. iii. 44. They … would laugh at the holy Toolsee-leaf, and Ganges water.
1866. Treas. Bot., Toolsi, Tulasi, Indian names for species of Basil.
1895. R. W. Frazer, Silent Gods, Pearl of Temple (1896), 46. The short square pillar … with sacred Tulsī plant growing on its summit.
