Poor man's weatherglass

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis). countable, uncountable

    "Pimpernel (poor man's weather glass) was also a protection, but as the gatherer collected the herbs, he must chant a certain incantation and continue to do so twice a day for 15 days[.]"

  2. 2
    herb with scarlet or white or purple blossoms that close at approach of rainy weather wordnet

Example

More examples

"Pimpernel (poor man's weather glass) was also a protection, but as the gatherer collected the herbs, he must chant a certain incantation and continue to do so twice a day for 15 days[.]"

Etymology

Scarlet pimpernel flowers open only when the sun shines, and even close in overcast conditions.