what is a pimpernel?

Question

as in scarlet pimpernel

Answer 1

A small flower.

Purple Pimpernel Picture:
http://www.cambridge2000.com/gallery/images/P6066171e.jpg

Scarlet Pimpernel Picture:
http://www.all-creatures.org/picb/wfshl-scarletpimpernel-01_small.jpg

Of course, THE Scarlet Pimpernel, was a character in a book, who helped French Aristocrats escape Robespierre's Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. He was called "The Scarlet Pimpernel" because of the seal on his messages, which is a pimpernel impressed in red wax. If I recall correctly.

Answer 2

"They seek him here. They seek him there. Those Frenchies seek him everywhere." It's a small red flower. And, probably the last time a major character was taken seriously with the name of Percy.

The Scarlet Pimpernel was a fop. Overdressed, over-classed, undoubtedly undersexed English gentlemen at least with the ladies. There is no female fop but maybe Hyacinth Bucket, pronounced Bouquet, could be right at home as a lady-fop.

It's interesting to note that while this was a novel about the French aristocracy, it was written by an other aristocrat: Baroness Emma ("Emmuska") Orczy, a Hungarian by birth and British novelist.

I don't think there's much call for Scarlett pimpernels these days.

Answer 3

Speaking as a countryside warden for a decade: It is a type of wild flower that can be found (but not very often) in England. It tends to only open its tiny petals (scarlet of course) in the full sunshine around midday - so I wouldn't bother trying to spot it if its overcast or later on in the day as it just looks like a green weed then. If you find one then PLEASE leave it undisturbed.
It is also the name of a book about an aristocrat who used the insignia. I suspect the name of this fictional character was chosen out of all the flowers to be a "Pimpernel" because of his ability to blend into the background in the same way that this flower can.
From what I recall: "They seek him here, they seek him there, that damned elusive Pimpernel"

Answer 4

A Pimpernel is a genus of herbs of the primrose family, natives of Europe, Asia and N. Africa.

Answer 5

"They seek him here, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in Heaven or is he in Hell. That deemed elusive Pimpernel." OH MY GOSH BEST MOVIE EVER!!!! A pimpernel is a small white flower, like the one he uses as his seal in the movie.

Answer 6

its a type of herb... i think a scarlet pimpernel can also be a person who rescues another person from danger by smuggling them across a border. but otherwise its a herb with purplish flowers :)

Answer 7

Its a flower ver ysimilar to a Primrose. The blossoms only stay open in light. Kind of like a morning glory.

Answer 8

It is a flower. They are either colored scarlet or white. The bloom when bad weather is approaching. Which is why the book is called that, I think.

Answer 9

Here is the answer. A quick click and there it was....

Answer 10

dunno but hope i dont catch it