n. 1 any small bushy aromatic herb of the genus Hyssopus, esp. H. officinalis, formerly used medicinally. 2 Bibl. a a plant whose twigs were used for sprinkling in Jewish rites. b a bunch of this used in purification.
[ OE (h)ysope (reinforced in ME by OF ysope) f. L hyssopus f. Gk hyssopos, of Semitic orig. ]