Also 6 cislie, 8 cecily. [? ad. L. seselis, Gr. σέσελις, σέσελι SESELI, but app. taken as identical with the feminine name Cicely, Cicyly = Cecilia. Walker pronounces as a dissyllable (si·sli).]
A popular name of several umbelliferous plants, almost co-extensive with CHERVIL; as Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata), Wild Cicely (Anthriscus sylvestris). Rough Cicely (Torilis Anthriscus), Fool’s Cicely (Æthusa Cynapium). † Silken Cicely (Vincetoxicum officinale N.O. Asclepiadaceæ).
1597. Gerarde, Herbal, II. ccccxvi. 1039. We may fitly terme this plant wilde Cicely. Ibid., II. cccxxxiii. (1633), 898. Swallow wort is called of the later herbarists vincetoxicum … of our gentlewomen it is called silken Cislie.
1668. Wilkins, Real Char., II. iv. § 4. 88. Sweet Cicely. Wild Cicely.
1784. J. Twamley, Dairying Exempl., 117. Cow-weed, or wild Cecily, grows in hedges, blows in May.
1822. Loudon, Encycl. Gardening, § 4723 (L.). The smell of Sweet Cicely attracts bees.
