Decerp

/dɪˈsɜːrp/ verb

Definition

To pluck, pick, or gather something (an archaic or obsolete term).

Etymology

From Latin decerpere, combining de- (off, away) and carpere (to pluck, pick). The meaning reflects the physical action of removing something by picking.

Kelly Says

This ultra-rare word survived only in old botanical texts where scientists would describe 'decerping' flowers for specimens—it's basically the Latin word for what gardeners still do today, but in English it vanished from everyday use centuries ago.

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