(n) collective term for the outer parts of a flower consisting of the calyx and corolla and enclosing the stamens and pistils, Syn. perigone, floral envelope, perigonium, chlamys
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ Pref. peri- + Gr. 'anqos flower: cf. F. périanthe. ] (Bot.) (a) The leaves of a flower generally, especially when the calyx and corolla are not readily distinguished. (b) A saclike involucre which incloses the young fruit in most hepatic mosses. See Illust. of Hepatica. [ 1913 Webster ]