King James Bible Dictionary

Many varieties of the rose proper are indigenous to Syria. The famed rose of Damascus is white, but there are also red and yellow roses. In Song of Solomon 2:1 and Isaiah 35:1 the Hebrew word habatstseleth (found only in these passages), rendered "rose" (R.V. marg., "autumn crocus"), is supposed by some to mean the oleander, by others the sweet-scented narcissus (a native of Palestine), the tulip, or the daisy; but nothing definite can be affirmed regarding it.

The "rose of Sharon" is probably the cistus or rock-rose, several species of which abound in Palestine. "Mount Carmel especially abounds in the cistus, which in April covers some of the barer parts of the mountain with a glow not inferior to that of the Scottish heather." (See MYRRH.)

Song of Solomon 2:1
Isaiah 35:1

occurs twice only, viz. in (Solomon 2:1; Isaiah 35:1) There is much difference of opinion as to what particular flower is here denoted; but it appears to us most probable that the narcissus is intended. Chateaubriand mentions the narcissus as growing in the Plain of Sharon. Roses are greatly prized in the East, more especially for the sake of the rose-water, which is much request. Dr. Hooker observed seven species of wild roses in Syria.

ROSE, noun s as z. [Latin , Gr. from the root of red, ruddy. See Red.]

1. A plant and flower of the genus Rosa, of many species and varieties, as the wild canine or dog-rose, the white rose the red rose the cinnamon rose the eglantine or sweet briar, etc. There are five petals; the calyx is urceolate, quinquefid, and corneous; the seeds are numerous, hispid, and fixed to the inside of the calyx.

2. A knot of ribbon in the form of a rose used as an ornamental tie of a shoe.

Under the rose in secret; privately; in a manner that forbids disclosure.

ROSE of Jericho, a plant growing on the plain of Jericho, the Anastatica hierochuntica.

ROSE, preterit tense of rise.

RO'SEAL, adjective [Latin roseus.] Like a rose in smell or color.

RO'SEATE, adjective

1. Rosy; full of roses; as roseate bowers.

2. Blooming; of a rose color; as roseate beauty.

RO'SEBAY, noun A plant, the Nerium oleander. The dwarf rosebay is the rhododendron.

RO'SED, A crimsoned; flushed.

RO'SE-GALL, noun An excrescence on the dog-rose.

ROSE-MALLOW, noun A plant of the genus Alcea, larger than the common mallow.

RO'SEMARY, noun [Latin rosmarinus, sea-rose; rosa and marinus.]

A verticillate plant of the genus Rosmarinus, growing naturally in the southern part of France, Spain and Italy. It has a fragrant smell and a warm pungent bitterish taste.

RO'SE-NOBLE, noun A ancient English gold coin, stamped with the figure of a rose, first struck in the reign of Edward III and current at 6s. 8d. or according to Johnson, at 16 shillings.

RO'SE-QUARTZ, noun A subspecies of quartz, rose red or milk white.

RO'SE-ROOT, noun A plant of the genus Rhodiola.

RO'SET, noun A red color used by painters.

RO'SE-WATER, noun Water tinctured with roses by distillation.

RO'SE-WOOD, noun A plant or tree of the genus Aspalathus, growing in warm climates, from which is obtained the oleum rhodii, an agreeable perfume, used in scenting pomatum and liniments.