E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tulip.
The turban plant; Persian, thoulyb’ (thoulyban, a turban), by which name the flower is called in Persia.
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My tulip. A term of endearment to animals, as “Gee up, my tulip!” or “Kim up, my tulip!” Perhaps a pun suggested by the word tool. A donkey is a costermonger’s tool.
