Cow"slip` (-sl?p`), n. [AS. cslyppe, csloppe, prob. orig., cow's droppings. Cf. Slop, n.] Bot.

1.

A common flower in England (Primula veris) having yellow blossoms and appearing in early spring. It is often cultivated in the United States.

2.

In the United States, the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), appearing in wet places in early spring and often used as a pot herb. It is nearer to a buttercup than to a true cowslip. See Illust. of Marsh marigold.

American cowslip Bot., a pretty flower of the West (Dodecatheon Meadia), belonging to the same order (Primulaceae) with the English cowslip. -- French cowslip Bot., bear's-ear (Primula Auricula).

© Webster 1913.