I. ˈli-lē noun
( plural lil·ies )
Etymology: Middle English lilie, from Old English, from Latin lilium
Date: before 12th century
1. : any of a genus ( Lilium of the family Liliaceae, the lily family) of erect perennial leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs that are native to the temperate northern hemisphere and are widely cultivated for their showy flowers ; broadly : any of various plants of the lily family or of the related amaryllis or iris families
2. : any of various plants with showy flowers: as
a. : a scarlet anemone ( Anemone coronaria ) of the Mediterranean region
b. : water lily
c. : calla lily
3. : fleur-de-lis 2
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
: resembling a lily in fairness, purity, or fragility
my lady's lily hand — John Keats