Nosegay is a lovely word. It means a small bunch of fragrant flowers, usually as a gift. It is also known as a bouquet, posey (or posy) or tussie-mussie which are also attractive words.
Had I been asked I would have said a pomander, from the French pomme d'ambre (apple of amber) is a ball (originally a piece of fruit like an apple or orange) studded with perfumes such as ambergris, musk, civet, or cloves. These were originally designed to be carried as a protection against infection and noxious street smells. However, feeding it into Google images shows 'pomanders' as being also a ball of flowers for the 'bridal party' whatever that is. Bridal parties are presumably smelly affairs - too much trying of perfumes perhaps?
Pomander, not pomadore. Pomadore is italian for tomato. Or maybe I've made that up too.
ReplyDeleteNow that is interesting Marcel.
ReplyDeleteHad I been asked I would have said a pomander, from the French pomme d'ambre (apple of amber) is a ball (originally a piece of fruit like an apple or orange) studded with perfumes such as ambergris, musk, civet, or cloves. These were originally designed to be carried as a protection against infection and noxious street smells. However, feeding it into Google images shows 'pomanders' as being also a ball of flowers for the 'bridal party' whatever that is. Bridal parties are presumably smelly affairs - too much trying of perfumes perhaps?