Rue \Rue\, n. [F. rue, L. ruta, akin to Gr. ?; cf. AS. r?de.]

1. (Bot.) A perennial suffrutescent plant (Ruta graveolens), having a strong, heavy odor and a bitter taste; herb of grace. It is used in medicine.

Then purged with euphrasy and rue The visual nerve, for he had much to see. --Milton.

They [the exorcists] are to try the devil by holy water, incense, sulphur, rue, which from thence, as we suppose, came to be called herb of grace. --Jer. Taylor.

2. Fig.: Bitterness; disappointment; grief; regret.

Goat's rue. See under Goat.

Rue anemone, a pretty springtime flower (Thalictrum anemonides) common in the United States.

Wall rue, a little fern (Asplenium Ruta-muraria) common on walls in Europe.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)