1. a rod, inscribed with the name of Aaron, that miraculously blossomed and yielded almonds. Num. 17:8. Previously, the rod had changed into a serpent. Ex. 7:10.
2. any of various plants having a tall, flowering stem, as the goldenrod or mullein.
3. a smooth-stemmed herb, Thermopsis caroliniana, found from North Carolina to Georgia, having yellow flowers in stiffly erect clusters and hoary pods.
4. Archit. a convex molding having regularly spaced representations of leaves or scrollwork.
[ 1825-35 for non-Biblical use ]