polygala vulgaris

Polygala vulgaris
    n 1: small European perennial with numerous branches having
         racemes of blue, pink or white flowers; formerly reputed to
         promote human lactation [syn: {common milkwort}, {gand
         flower}, {Polygala vulgaris}]
    

Gang-flower \Gang"-flow`er\, n. (Bot.)
   The common English milkwort ({Polygala vulgaris}), so called
   from blossoming in gang week. --Dr. Prior.
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Milkwort \Milk"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
   A genus of plants ({Polygala}) of many species. The common
   European {Polygala vulgaris} was supposed to have the power
   of producing a flow of milk in nurses.
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   Note: The species of {Campanula}, or bellflower, are
         sometimes called milkwort, from their juice.
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Rogation \Ro*ga"tion\, n. [L. rogatio, fr. rogare, rogatum, to
   ask, beg, supplicate: cf. F. rogation. Cf. {Abrogate},
   {Arrogant}, {Probogue}.]
   1. (Rom. Antiq.) The demand, by the consuls or tribunes, of a
      law to be passed by the people; a proposed law or decree.
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   2. (Eccl.) Litany; supplication.
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            He perfecteth the rogations or litanies before in
            use.                                  --Hooker.
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   {Rogation days} (Eccl.), the three days which immediately
      precede Ascension {Day}; -- so called as being days on
      which the people, walking in procession, sang litanies of
      special supplication.

   {Rogation flower} (Bot.), a European species of milkwort
      ({Polygala vulgaris}); -- so called from its former use
      for garlands in Rogation week. --Dr. Prior.

   {Rogation week}, the second week before Whitsunday, in which
      the Rogation days occur.
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