scarlet pimpernel
scarlet pimpernel Lexical Profile
• noun
A dashing, elusive hero who operates in secret to rescue others from danger or oppression, named after the fictional English aristocrat who saved French nobles during the Reign of Terror.
"During the war, the brave diplomat became known as a modern-day scarlet pimpernel, smuggling political refugees across the heavily guarded border completely unseen."
A small, sprawling herbaceous plant (Lysimachia arvensis) native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, noted for its tiny, star-shaped, bright reddish-orange flowers that close in overcast or rainy weather.
"While walking through the meadows of the English countryside, the botanist pointed out a blooming scarlet pimpernel hidden among the tall grasses."
Word Nuance & Usage
When capitalized (The Scarlet Pimpernel), it refers to the specific literary hero created by Baroness Orczy; in lowercase, it refers either to the common European weed or is used figuratively to describe an elusive rescuer.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The botanical name comes from the Old French 'escarlate' (scarlet) and 'pimpernele'. Its popular figurative use stems from Baroness Orczy's 1905 play and novel 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', whose protagonist uses the flower as a calling card.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.