■ noun
1》 a herbaceous plant of north temperate regions, typically with upright stems bearing narrow pointed leaves and spikes of blue or purple flowers. [Genus Veronica : many species, including the speedwells.]
2》 a cloth supposedly impressed with an image of Christ's face.
3》 the movement of a matador's cape away from a charging bull.
Origin
C16: from med. L., from the given name Veronica ; sense 2 with ref. to St Veronica , who offered her headcloth to Christ on the way to Calvary, to wipe his face.