Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Shamrock
Sham′rock
,Noun.
[L.
seamrog
, seamar
, trefoil, white clover, white honeysuckle; akin to Gael. seamrag
.] (Bot.)
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.
☞ 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
). Webster 1828 Edition
Shamrock
SHAM'ROCK
,Noun.