SHAMROCK

Etymology

Noun

shamrock (plural shamrocks)

The trefoil leaf of any small clover, especially Trifolium repens, or such a leaf from a clover-like plant, commonly used as a symbol of Ireland.

Any of several small plants, forms of clover, with trefoil leaves, especially Trifolium repens.

Synonyms

• (trefoil leaf): trefoil

• (any of several small plants): clover, trefoil

Source: Wiktionary

Sham"rock, n. Etym: [L. seamrog, seamar, trefoil, white clover, white honeysuckle; akin to Gael. seamrag.] (Bot.)

Definition: A trifoliate plant used as a national emblem by the Irish. The legend is that St. Patrick once plucked a leaf of it for use in illustrating the doctrine of the trinity.

Note: The original plant was probably a kind of wood sorrel (Oxalis Acetocella); but now the name is given to the white clover (Trifolium repens), and the black medic (Medicago lupulina).

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition