The Collaborative International Dictionary
Rue \Rue\, n. [F. rue, L. ruta, akin to Gr. ?; cf. AS. r?de.]
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(Bot.) A perennial suffrutescent plant ( Ruta graveolens), having a strong, heavy odor and a bitter taste; herb of grace. It is used in medicine.
Then purged with euphrasy and rue The visual nerve, for he had much to see.
--Milton.They [the exorcists] are to try the devil by holy water, incense, sulphur, rue, which from thence, as we suppose, came to be called herb of grace.
--Jer. Taylor. -
Fig.: Bitterness; disappointment; grief; regret.
Goat's rue. See under Goat.
Rue anemone, a pretty springtime flower ( Thalictrum anemonides) common in the United States.
Wall rue, a little fern ( Asplenium Ruta-muraria) common on walls in Europe.