Dictionary

poor man's weatherglass en · NOUN

Etymology

Scarlet pimpernel flowers open only when the sun shines, and even close in overcast conditions.

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) A scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis).
   • Pimpernel (poor man's weather glass) was also a protection, but as the gatherer collected the herbs, he must chant a certain incantation and continue to do so twice a day for 15 days[.] 1940, Rosetta E. Clarkson, Green Enchantments: The Magic Spell of Gardens, The Macmillan Company, page 272:

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