E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bachelor’s Buttons.
Several flowers are so called. Red Bachelor’s Buttons, the double red campion; yellow Bachelor’s Buttons, the “upright crowfoot”; white Bachelor’s Buttons, the white ranunculus and white campion.
1
“The similitude these flowers have to the jaggod cloath buttons anciently worne … gave occasion … to call them Bachelour’s Buttons.”—Gerard: Herbal.
Or else from a custom still sometimes observed by rustics of carrying the flower in their pockets to know how they stand with their sweethearts. If the flower dies, it is a bad omen; but if it does not fade, they may hope for the best.
2
To wear bachelor’s buttons. To remain a bachelor. (See above.)
