nosegay

the word 'nosegay' is a compound formed from two english words, 'nose' and the now-archaic sense of 'gay' meaning 'ornament' or 'showy thing'. it emerged in late middle english as a literal descriptor for a small, decorative bouquet of fragrant flowers intended to be pleasing to the nose. the term reflects a time when carrying or wearing such bouquets was a common practice to counteract unpleasant urban smells. its construction is transparently literal, combining the target of the sense (nose) with the nature of the object (a gay or bright ornament).

Structure: nose + gay nose: from old english nosu, of germanic origin, meaning the organ of smell. gay: from old french gai, of germanic origin, in its older sense meaning 'bright, showy, ornamented'.