in Botany: A genus of the filiquea order, belonging to the tetradynamia clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 39th order, Siliqueae. The filique parts adnate with a spring, and the valves roll spirally backward; the stigma is entire, and the calyx a little gaping. Of this there are 15 species; but the most remarkable is the praireus, with a large purple flower. This grows naturally in many parts of Britain, and is also called cuckow flower. There are four varieties, viz. the fingle, with purple and white flowers, which are frequently intermixed in the meadows; and the double, of both colours. The fingle sorts are not admitted into gardens; but the double deserve a place, as making a pretty appearance during the time they are in flower. They will thrive in a moist shady border; and are propagated by parting their roots, which is best performed in autumn. They delight in a soft loamy soil, not too stiff. By some the plant is reckoned antiscorbutic.