basil

(noun) any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum.

(noun) (Roman Catholic Church) the bishop of Caesarea who defended the Roman Catholic Church against the heresies of the 4th century; a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-379). Synonyms: Basil, St. Basil, Basil of Caesarea, Basil the Great, St. Basil the Great.

(noun) leaves of the common basil; used fresh or dried. Synonyms: sweet basil.