papilionaceous

comparative more papilionaceous · superlative most papilionaceous

1. obsoletePertaining to a butterfly or butterflies.First known use 17th–19th c.

   Thefe are alfo called by Reaumur Papillionaceous Flies, that have their wings half tranfparent.

   1792, Richard Brookes, Oliver Goldsmith, Jan Swammerdam, chapter XI, in The Natural History of Insects, page 129

2. biologyHaving a corolla in the form of a butterfly, with prominent wing-like petals; (generally) pertaining to the Faboidea (Papilionoidea) family of plants.First known use 17th c.

   [T]he broad road is lined with wild bushes and tangled shrubs lavishly decked with brilliant blossoms: the lentisk, so covered with yellow, papilionaceous flowers [translating Schmetterlingsblumen] that not a green leaf is visible…

   1962, JW Goethe, translated by WH Auden and Elizabeth Mayer, Italian Journey, Penguin, published 1970, page 261

3. figurativelyLike a butterfly; showy; capricious.First known use 19th c.

   Ali G was a glorious, comedic butterfly, but it's my sad duty to report that his exquisitely papilionaceous character is currently being broken upon a wheel.

   2000 April 3, Evening Standard