by folk etymology from Middle English gilofre clove, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French girofle, from Latin caryophyllum, from Greek karyophyllon, from karyon nut + phyllon leaf — more at careen, blade
1551, in the meaning defined above
gilly
gillyflower
gillygaupus
“Gillyflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gillyflower. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gillyflower
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