What is "cat thyme"

Thyme \Thyme\ (t[imac]m), n. [OE. tyme, L. thymum, Gr. qy`mon, qy`mos; cf. qy`ein, to sacrifice, qy`os a sacrifice, offering, incense: cf. F. thym; -- perhaps so named because of its sweet smell. Cf. Fume, n.] (Bot.) Any plant of the labiate genus Thymus. The garden thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) is a warm, pungent aromatic, much used to give a relish to seasoning and soups.

Ankle deep in moss and flowery thyme.
--Cowper.

Cat thyme, a labiate plant ( Teucrium Marum) of the Mediterranean religion. Cats are said to be fond of rolling on it.
--J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants).

Wild thyme, Thymus Serpyllum, common on banks and hillsides in Europe.

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows.
--Shak.

n. Mediterranean germander having small hairy leaves and reddish purple flowers; attractive to cats [syn: marum, Teucrium marum]