Any of several aromatic herbs of the mint family (Lamaiceae (Labiatae)); especially wild basil, Clinopodium vulgare (formerly included in the genus Satureja).
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Henry Lyte (1529–1607), botanist and antiquary.
Definition of field basil in US English:
field basil
noun
Any of several aromatic herbs of the mint family (Lamaiceae (Labiatae)); especially wild basil, Clinopodium vulgare (formerly included in the genus Satureja).
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Henry Lyte (1529–1607), botanist and antiquary.