rose

rose [-s] n

OE < L. rosa prob. an adoption of Gr.

  1. Beautiful fragrant flower of the genus Rosa.
  2. Source of spicy fragrance or perfume.
  3. Graceful woman [reference to a close friend, for example, Helen Hunt Jackson.]
  4. Female flower; [personification] bride.
  5. Elegant construction [such as a body or a house.]
  6. Token; symbol; [fig.] representative; ambassador; authorized messenger.
  7. Spring; natural beauty; prime time; season of nature; early spring or autumn [fig.] life; hope.
  8. Blush; rush of blood to the face indicating intense emotion.
  9. Lady [possible reference to Mary Bowles and the Virgin Mary.]