Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AS'PHO-DEL, n. [L. and Gr. See Theoph. lib. 7. Plin. lib. 21, 17. Perhaps it is from the root of spud; Sw. spyd; Ire. spioot, a spear, from the shape of its leaves.]

King's-spear; a plant, cultivated for the beauty of its flowers. The ancients planted asphodels near graves, to supply the manes of the dead with nourishment. – Encyc. Johnson.