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veronica

1. A portrait or representation of the face of our Savior on the alleged handkerchief of saint Veronica, preserved at Rome; hence, a representation of this portrait, or any similar representation of the face of the Savior. Formerly called also Vernacle, and Vernicle.

2. (Science: botany) A genus scrophulariaceous plants; the speedwell. See Speedwell.

Several herbaceous species are common in both Europe and America, most of which have small blue flowers. A few shrubby species from new Zealand are sometimes found in cultivation.

Origin: LL.; so called from Veronica, a woman who, according to an old legend, as Christ was carrying the cross, wiped his face with a cloth, which received an impression of his countenance; Veronica is fr. MGr, fr. Macedonian, for Gr, literally, carrying off victory, victorious.