Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AS-PAR'A-GUS, n. [L. and Gr; probably from σπαρασσω, to tear, from its lacerated appearance, or from the root of σπειρα, a spire, from its stem.]

Sparagus; sperege; vulgarly, sparrow-grass; a genus of plants. That which is cultivated in gardens, has an upright herbaceous stalk, bristly leaves, and equal stipulas. The roots have a bitterish mucilaginous taste; and the stalk is, in some degree, aperient and deobstruent, but not very efficacious.