pyxie

plural pyxies

1. archaicArchaic form of pixie (“magical creature”).

plural pyxies

1. archaicA small, flowering plant of the genus Pyxidanthera, native to the eastern United States, now typically known as pyxiemoss or pixie moss.

   Both the pyxie and the trailing arbutus commence to bloom in March. Although they are so small and dainty, they are classified botanically as shrubs! Pyxie is moss-like in appearance, and hence is sometimes called "flowering moss."

   1905, Mary Mapes Dodge, St. Nicholas, page 462

   1 more example

   Here the earth was strangely carpeted. Spagnum, beautiful by reason of rich color; gray-green moss; and the object of our long tramp--pyxie. No botany does it justice, passing it by with the mere mention of its barbarous name, Pyxidanthera barbulata. It might be thought the meanest of all weeds, but is, in truth, the chiefest glory of this wonderful region.

   1892 May 7, Charles C. Abbott, “A Hunt for the Pyxie”, in Alfred Emanuel Smith, Francis Walton, editors, The Christian Union, page 885