I
Herb consisting of the dried leaves of Ocimum basilicum , an annual herb of the mint family, native to India and Iran.
The dried large-leaf varieties have a fragrant aroma faintly reminiscent of anise , with a warm, sweet, aromatic, mildly pungent flavour. The dried leaves of common basil are less fragrant and more pungent. Basil is widely grown as a kitchen herb.
II
[c mediumvioletred] (as used in expressions)
Basil II
Basil Bulgaroctonus
Basil I
Basil the Macedonian
Basil the Great Saint
Liddell Hart Sir Basil Henry
Rathbone Philip St. John Basil
{{link=Saint Basil the Blessed">Saint Basil the Blessed