Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Wormwood \Worm"wood\, n. [AS. werm?d, akin to OHG. wermuota,
   wormuota, G. wermuth, wermut; of uncertain origin.]
   1. (Bot.) A composite plant ({Artemisia Absinthium}), having
      a bitter and slightly aromatic taste, formerly used as a
      tonic and a vermifuge, and to protect woolen garments from
      moths. It gives the peculiar flavor to the cordial called
      absinthe. The volatile oil is a narcotic poison. The term
      is often extended to other species of the same genus.

   2. Anything very bitter or grievous; bitterness.

            Lest there should be among you a root that beareth
            gall and wormwood.                    --Deut. xxix.
                                                  18.

   {Roman wormwood} (Bot.), an American weed ({Ambrosia
      artemisi[ae]folia}); hogweed.

   {Tree wormwood} (Bot.), a species of Artemisia (probably
      {Artemisia variabilis}) with woody stems.

   {Wormwood hare} (Zo["o]l.), a variety of the common hare
      ({Lepus timidus}); -- so named from its color.

Ragweed \Rag"weed\, n. (Bot.)
   A common American composite weed ({Ambrosia
   artemisi[ae]folia}) with finely divided leaves; hogweed.

   {Great ragweed}, a coarse American herb ({Ambrosia trifida}),
      with rough three-lobed opposite leaves.