Literary notes about Posy (AI summary)
In literature, the word posy is employed with a rich duality of meaning. It may signify a small bouquet or a token inscribed with a couplet—as in the case of posy rings that bear a sweet rhyme, evoking memories of love and commitment [1][2][3]—or it can function as an affectionate nickname or even a proper name for a character, conveying charm and tenderness [4][5][6]. This versatility allows posy to embody both a tangible, natural beauty and a symbolic expression of intimacy, bridging the gap between a delicate arrangement of blossoms and a term of endearment in narrative portrayals [7][8].
- Mr. Fairholt describes two gold wedding-rings of the sixteenth century, which were then generally inscribed with a posy of one or two lines of rhyme.
— from Finger-Ring Lore: Historical, Legendary, Anecdotal by Jones, William, F.S.A. - ‘It is a rhyming catch or the posy of a ring,’ said Monmouth, glancing at it.
— from Micah Clarke His Statement as made to his three grandchildren Joseph, Gervas and Reuben During the Hard Winter of 1734 by Arthur Conan Doyle - Posy used to mean a copy of verses presented to some one with a bouquet.
— from Stories That Words Tell Us by Elizabeth (Elizabeth Speakman) O'Neill - Nurse Nannie looked in, and seeing all was well, left Rosy Posy with the others.
— from Marjorie in Command by Carolyn Wells - I'm a-going to tell Dr Christie; he knows all about Posy and me.'
— from Little Meg's Children by Hesba Stretton - For the whole family he is "Brother," and I call him "Posy."
— from Six Women and the Invasion by Marguerite-Yerta Méléra - [755] Posy-rings were formerly much used, it having been customary to inscribe a motto or “posy” within the hoop of [389] the betrothal ring.
— from Folk-lore of Shakespeare by T. F. (Thomas Firminger) Thiselton-Dyer - Had I a statue been o' stane, His daring look had daunted me; And on his bonnet grav'd was plain, The sacred posy—“Libertie!”
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns
