ANISE

(Pinpinella Anisum), umbelliferous plant of S. Europe and Levant; fruits (aniseed) used for preparation of oil of anise, used medicinally (as stomachic), and for confectionery and liqueurs. former countship, France, now forms most of Maine-et-Loire and part of was Angers. In early times often ravaged by Normans; countship held by Ful the Red in late LX. cent.; pa ed in 1060 to house of Gat in a is, to which belonged Geoffrey IV. of A. (Plantage net), who in 1128 m. Matilda, dau. of Henry I. of England; his s. became Henry Ll. of England, and A. remained an Eng. province until lost to France by King John, 1203; given in 1246 by Louis IX, to Charles, king of Naples and Sicily. coming by marriage to house of. Valois; given by King John to s., Louis I. of Naples; belonged to kings of Naples till death of René, 1480; subsequently an appanage of Fr. crown.