Definition of "papilionaceous"

papilionaceous

adjective
comparative more papilionaceous, superlative most papilionaceous
1. (obsolete) Pertaining to a butterfly or butterflies.
2. (botany) Having a corolla in the form of a butterfly, with prominent wing-like petals; (generally) pertaining to the Faboidea (Papilionoidea) family of plants.
  Quotations
  [T]he broad road is lined with wild bushes and tangled shrubs lavishly decked with brilliant blossoms: the lentisk, so covered with yellow, papilionaceous flowers [translating Schmetterlingsblumen] that not a green leaf is visible…
  1962, JW Goethe, translated by WH Auden and Elizabeth Mayer, Italian Journey, Penguin, published 1970, page 261
3. (figurative) Like a butterfly; showy; capricious.
  Quotations
  Ali G was a glorious, comedic butterfly, but it's my sad duty to report that his exquisitely papilionaceous character is currently being broken upon a wheel.
  2000 April 3, Evening Standard

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