bay leaf

the dried leaf of the laurel, used in cookery.

the leaf of the bayberry, Pimenta racemosa, used in making bay oil and bay rum.

Origin of bay leaf

First recorded in 1630–40

I always recommend it to my friends; I often add a bay-leaf to it, which varies the flavor.

The Modern Housewife or, Menagere |Alexis Soyer
Bay-leaf and thyme, well pounded, may also be used, if liked.

Hand-Book of Practical Cookery for Ladies and Professional Cooks |Pierre Blot
Thicken the gravy with browned flour if required, and remove the bay-leaf.

The Myrtle Reed Cook Book |Myrtle Reed
In what reign was the first bay-leaf, rewarding the first poet of English song, authoritatively conferred?

Atlantic Monthly, Volume 2, Issue 10, August, 1858 |Various

Prepare according to directions elsewhere given for Oyster Bouillon, cooking a chopped onion and a bay-leaf with the clams.

The Myrtle Reed Cook Book |Myrtle Reed

bay leaf

a leaf, usually dried, of the Mediterranean laurel, Laurus nobilis, used in cooking to flavour soups and stews