Saffron

(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. safran, Wall. so-frân, It. zafferano, Sp. azafran, Pg. açafram, Ger. & Sw. saffran, Dan. saffran, D. saffraan, Turk. za'ferân, from Ar. & Per. za'farân.] 1. (Bot.) A bulbous plant of the genus Crocus, having flowers of a deep yellow color. The bastard saffron, or safflower, is of the genus Carthamus, and the meadow saffron of the genus Colchicum. 2. (Med.) A preparation of the stigmata of the Crocus sativus, dried on a kiln and pressed into cakes. P. Cyc.

a. Having the color of saffron flowers; deep yellow; as, a saffron face; a saffron streamer.

To tinge with saffron; to make yellow; to gild. [Rare.] Chaucer.