Fern — Defs

01 adv. Long ago.

1.
Long ago.[Obs.]

02 a. Ancient; old. [Obs.] “Pilgrimages to . . . ferne halwes.” [saints].

1.
Ancient; old. [Obs.] “Pilgrimages to . . . ferne halwes.” [saints].[Obs.]

03 n. An order of cryptogamous plants, the Filices, which have their fructification on the back of the fronds or leaves. They are usually found i…

1.
An order of cryptogamous plants, the Filices, which have their fructification on the back of the fronds or leaves. They are usually found in humid soil, sometimes grow epiphytically on trees, and in tropical climates often attain a gigantic size.(Bot.)

Phrases & compounds

Christmas fern — See under Christmas.

Climbing fern — a delicate North American fern (Lygodium palmatum), which climbs several feet high over bushes, etc., and is much sought for purposes of decoration.

Fern owl — The European goatsucker.

Fern shaw — a fern thicket.