mullein, mullen

[A. S. molegn, perhaps from Goth. malo; Dan. mol =a moth.] Bot .: The genus Verbascum (q. v.). The Great Mullein is Verbascum thapsus ; the White, V. lychnitis ; the Yellow Hoary, V. pulverulentum ; the Dark, V. nigrum; and the Moth Mullein, V. blattaria . mullein-shark, s. Entom.: A moth, Cucullia verbasci , the caterpillar of which feeds on mullein.