An ornament for the noseSourced
A small bouquet’s name points to its scent
A nosegay is a small bouquet carried or worn. Its Middle English name combines nose with gay in the older sense of ornament. The decoration appealed to scent as well as sight. Small holders could secure these arrangements as wearable accessories.
The bouquet was not just for looking at.
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Nosegay · Wikimedia contributors
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Reviewed: 2026-10-05