/baz"euhl, bas"-, bay"zeuhl, -seuhl/ , n.
any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Ocimum, of the mint family, as O. basilicum (sweet basil) , having purplish-green ovate leaves used in cooking.
[ 1400-50; late ME basile basilicum basilikón, neut. of basilikós royal. See BASILIC ]