See Also: snapdragon(medicine)
snapdragon(dictionary)
snapdragon(dictionary)
snapdragon family(encyclopedia)

snapdragon (iou)



snapdragon noun. L16.
[from SNAP- + DRAGON noun.]
The garden antirrhinum, Antirrhinum majus, so called from its personate corolla (thought to resemble a dragon's mouth). Also (usu. with specifying word), any of several allied plants with similar flowers which were formarly included in the genus Antirrhinum; esp. (a) (more fully wild snapdragon, yellow snapdragon) toadflax, Linaria vulgaris; (b) (more fully lesser snapdragon) weasel's snout, Misopates orontium. L16.
A figure or representation of a dragon, esp. one with a mouth that opens and shuts, used in public processions. obsolete exc. Hist. L16.
A game in which raisins are snatched from burning brandy etc. and eaten while alight; a bowl or quantity of the liquor etc. used in this game. Cf. FLAP-DRAGON noun. obsolete exc. Hist. E18.