Obs. [L. flōres, pl. of flōs.]
1. Old Chem. (See quot. 1706.)
1663. Boyle, Usefuln. Nat. Philos., I. II. V. x. 213. The same Aurum fulminans being calcin’d with twice or thrice it’s weight of Flowers of Brimstone, till the Flores be burnt away, is known to be much commended by Chymists, and others, for a Diaphoretick.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Flores … in Chymistry, the more subtil parts of a Substance separated from the grosser by Sublimation.
2. nonce-use. ‘Flowers’ of speech.
a. 1734. North, Exam., I. iii. § 94. One may also admire how the Author comes by these Flores of the Canaglia.
