prunella

Meaning

Noun

• A member of the genus Prunella of herbaceous plants, the allheals.
• Any of various diseases characterised by inflammation of the mouth or throat.
• A smooth worsted or silk fabric, generally black, formerly used for making shoes and clergymen's gowns.

Origin

• From post-classical Latin prunella, from brunus + -ella, perhaps because of the plant's brown sepals.
• From post-classical Latin prunella, alternation of brunella, from brunus + -ella.
• Probably a variant of prunello, with reference to the colour of the fabric. Compare French prunelle.