the surname of the kings of England from Henry II. to Richard III. inclusive. Fulk, the first Earl of Anjou, stung with remorse for some wicked action, went, as a work of atonement, in pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where, being soundly scourged with broom twigs, which grew plentifully on the spot, he afterwards took the surname of Plantagenet, which was retained by his posterity.