A name given in many parts of England to the common species of buttercup, Ranunculus acris, bulbosus, and repens; also to Marsh Marigold, Caltha palustris.
1538. Turner, Libellus, Ranvncvlvs,… Kyngecuppe. Ibid. (1551), Herbal, I. I v b. A yelow floure like vnto the kyngcuppe called Ranunculus.
1634. Peacham, Gentl. Exerc., II. vii. 124. A garland of Bents, King-cups, and Maidens haire.
1784. Cowper, Task, VI. 303. To gather king-cups in the yellow mead.
1802. Wordsw., Small Celandine, 1. Pansies, lilies, kingcups, daisies, Let them live upon their praises!
1833. Tennyson, Poems, 38. Methinks that I could tell you all The cowslips and the kingcups there.
