Agapanthus

[Gr. agape, love, and anthos, flower.] ( Bot. ) A small genus of ornamental plants, order Liliacea. The typical species is A. umbel lat us, the African blue lily, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, whence it was brought to Holland. It is now a favorite garden-plant. It grows nearly a yard high, and in July bears a handsome bunch of blue flowers, which have no scent. Agape', adv . [A. S. geyppan , to open.] Staring with open mouth; astare; agog; astonished.-See GAPE. Agap'etæ, n . pl. (Eccl. Hist .) A name given to virgins and widows, who, in the early days of the Church, were made deacone es, and resided with the ministers, sharing their duties. For some time the relation was maintained blamele ; but it resulted in immorality, and councils were summoned to put an end to it.