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So a "nosegay" was an ornament that appeals to the nose or nostril.

Traditionally, brides will also carry a small nosegay.

These are thought to have derived from nosegays which would have mitigated the smell of some of the less salubrious parts of the town in times past.

This secret floral code allowed individuals to express their feelings and convey messages without the need for spoken or written words.

Nosegays became popular gifts during this period, as lovers, friends, and family members would carefully select flowers and herbs to create a meaningful and personalized bouquet.

You can even incorporate the language of flowers to add a touch of sentimentality and symbolism to your nosegay.

The history of nosegays is a fascinating tale of how a simple and practical solution to mask unpleasant odors transformed into a cherished art form that continues to delight and enchant to this day. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

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nosegay is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons:nosen., gayn.

Earliest known use

early 1500s

The earliest known use of the noun nosegay is in the early 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for nosegay is from around 1500, in Assembly of the Gods.

Nearby entries

  1. nose-driven, adj.1952–
  2. nose-dropping, adj.1615–
  3. nose drops, n.1938–
  4. nose-end, n.c1440–
  5. nose-ender, n.1854–
  6. no-see-um, n.1837–
  7. nose-fish, n.1828
  8. nose-flute, n.1775–
  9. nose fly, n.1775–
  10. nose-fuse, n.1888–
  11. nosegay, n.c1500–
  12. nosegay-dance, n.1611
  13. nosegay flower, n.1600–1855
  14. nosegay garden, n.1600
  15. nosegay-maker, n.1597
  16. nosegay plant, n.1837
  17. nose gear, n.1959–
  18. nosegent, n.1567
  19. nose glasses, n.1890–
  20. nose gristle, n.Old English–1642
  21. nose-grown, adj.1611
Browse more nearby entries

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As your trusted florist, we're excited to take you on a journey to explore the charming history of nosegays, from their origins to their modern-day allure.

Nosegays, also known as tussie-mussies or posies, date back to the Middle Ages.

nose gays

The stench was overwhelming and people walked around with handkerchiefs or nosegays pressed against their nostrils.
From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license. As we celebrate the beauty and charm of nosegays, we invite you to explore the world of floral art and perhaps even create your own personalized bouquet.

Handheld bouquets are classified by several different popular shapes and styles, including nosegay, crescent, and cascading bouquets.

A tussie mussie is a small circular bouquet like a nosegay, but carries symbolic meaning based upon the language of flowers, where particular flowers represent specific sentiments.

From the

Hansard archive

Alternately, a modified nosegay that a prom date can carry in her hand or a pin-on type corsage. After all, nothing says 'I care' quite like a lovingly crafted nosegay.

nosegaynoun

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun nosegay, two of which are labelled obsolete.

Some of his works are displays of abundance; others, only a festoon or a nosegay. Modern nosegays often feature a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, with a focus on aesthetics and personal expression.

Nosegays have also found a place in the world of fashion, as they make for beautiful and unique accessories.

Made up of sweet-smelling flowers, herbs, and spices, nosegays were held close to the nose, releasing delightful fragrances that would help counteract the less-than-pleasant scents of the time.

Over time, nosegays evolved from their utilitarian roots and took on a more romantic and symbolic role. Brides often choose nosegays for their bridesmaids or flower girls, while prom-goers may opt for a nosegay as a stylish alternative to the classic corsage.

Creating Your Own Nosegay

As your go-to florist, we're more than happy to help you create your own personalized nosegay.

From

Wikipedia

This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license. Today, they continue to be a popular choice for weddings, proms, and other special occasions.

The Charming History of Nosegays

Floral art has a rich history, with various traditions and styles originating from different cultures and eras.

It was not allowed to give flowers, not even the smallest nosegay.