the surname of the kings of England from Henry II. to Richard III. inclusive. Antiquarians are much at a loss to account for the origin of this name; and the best derivation they can find for it is, that Fulk, the first earl of Anjou of that name, being flung with remorse for some wicked action, went in pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a work of atonement; where being soundly scourged with broom-twiggs, which grew plentifully on the spot, he ever after took the surname of Plantagenet, or broom-stalk, which was retained by his noble posterity.