from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Daffodil \Daf"fo*dil\ (d[a^]f"f[-o]*d[i^]l), n. [OE. affodylle,
prop., the asphodel, fr. LL. affodillus (cf. D. affodille or
OF. asphodile, aphodille, F. asphod[`e]le), L. asphodelus,
fr. Gr. 'asfo`delos. The initial d in English is not
satisfactorily explained. See {Asphodel}.] (Bot.)
(a) A plant of the genus {Asphodelus}.
(b) A plant of the genus {Narcissus} ({Narcissus
Pseudo-narcissus}). It has a bulbous root and beautiful
flowers, usually of a yellow hue. Called also
{daffodilly}, {daffadilly}, {daffadowndilly},
{daffydowndilly}, etc.
[1913 Webster]
With damask roses and daffadillies set. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
Strow me the ground with daffadowndillies,
And cowslips, and kingcups, and loved lilies.
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
A college gown
That clad her like an April daffodilly. --Tennyson
[1913 Webster]
And chance-sown daffodil. --Whittier.
[1913 Webster]