spikenard

plural spikenards

1. countableuncountableA perfumed ointment, extracted from the plant Nardostachys jatamansi that belongs to the Valerian family and grows in the Himalayas.

   While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Song of Solomon 1:12

   2 more examples

   All subtle thought, all curious fears, ⁠Borne down by gladness so complete, ⁠She bows, she bathes the Saviour’s feet With costly spikenard and with tears.

   1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], “Canto XXXII”, in In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC, page 51

   The glories of Mary held his soul captive : spikenard and myrrh and frankincense, symbolising the preciousness of God's gifts to her soul, rich garments, symbolising her royal lineage, her emblems, the lateflowering plant and lateblossoming tree, symbolising the agelong gradual growth of her cultus among men.

   1916, James Joyce, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

2. countableuncountableThe plant Nardostachys jatamansi (syn. Nardostachys grandiflora).

   A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Song of Solomon 4:12-14

3. countableuncountableLavandula stoechas, another species used in antiquity to produce an aromatic oil.
4. countableuncountableAny plant of the genus Aralia of the Araliaceae family.

   Synonyms: spignet

5. countableuncountableFalse spikenard (Maianthemum racemosum, syn. Smilacina racemosa)
6. countableuncountablePloughman's spikenard (Inula conyza, now Pentanema conyzae).
7. countableuncountableWild spikenard (Asarum europaeum).