from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rue \Rue\ (r[udd]), n. [F. rue, L. ruta, akin to Gr. "ryth`; cf.
AS. r[=u]de.]
1. (Bot.) A perennial suffrutescent plant ({Ruta
graveolens}), having a strong, heavy odor and a bitter
taste; herb of grace. It is used in medicine.
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Then purged with euphrasy and rue
The visual nerve, for he had much to see. --Milton.
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They [the exorcists] are to try the devil by holy
water, incense, sulphur, rue, which from thence, as
we suppose, came to be called herb of grace. --Jer.
Taylor.
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2. Fig.: Bitterness; disappointment; grief; regret.
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{Goat's rue}. See under {Goat}.
{Rue anemone}, a pretty springtime flower ({Thalictrum
anemonides}) common in the United States.
{Wall rue}, a little fern ({Asplenium Ruta-muraria}) common
on walls in Europe.
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