n. & v.
--n.
1. a any small evergreen shrub of the genus Lavandula, with narrow leaves and blue, purple, or pink aromatic flowers. b its flowers and stalks dried and used to scent linen, clothes, etc.
2 a pale blue colour with a trace of red.
--v.tr. put lavender among (linen etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
lavender-water a perfume made from distilled lavender, alcohol, and ambergris.
Etymology: ME f. AF lavendre, ult. f. med.L lavandula