Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
firse. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
firse, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
firse in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
firse you have here. The definition of the word
firse will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
firse, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Middle English
Etymology
From Old English fyrs, fyres, of unknown origin, but compare fyr (“fire”) and Proto-Slavic *pyrь (“couch grass”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈfirz/, /ˈfurz/, /ˈfɛrz/
Noun
firse (plural firses or firsen)
- Furze or gorse (Ulex europaeus)
a. 1382, John Wycliffe, “Isaiah 55:13”, in Wycliffe's Bible:A fir tre ſchal grow for a firse, and a mirte tre ſchal wexe for a nettil; and the Lord ſchal be nemyd in to a ſigne euerlaſtynge, that ſchal not be doon awei.- A fir tree will grow instead of gorse, and a myrtle will grow instead of a nettle, and the Lord will be named for this everlasting sign that won't be done away with.
- (rare) Clumps of furze for use in fires.
Synonyms
Descendants
References