/cherr"vil/ , n.
1. an herb, Anthriscus cerefolium, of the parsley family, having aromatic leaves used to flavor soups, salads, etc.
2. any of several other plants of the same genus or allied genera.
[ bef. 900; ME chervelle, OE cerfelle chaerephylla, pl. of CHAEREPHYLLUM chairéphyllon, equiv. to chaîre hail (greeting) + phýllon leaf ]