1. (adv.) Long ago.

2. (a.) Ancient; old. [Obs.] Pilgrimages to . . . ferne halwes. [saints].

3. (n.) An order of cryptogamous plants, the Filices, which have their fructification on the back of the fronds or leaves. They are usually found in humid soil, sometimes grow epiphytically on trees, and in tropical climates often attain a gigantic size.

Calamites Cycadofilicales Filicales Selaginellaceae Sigillaria algae autophyte bean bracken brown algae calamite climber conferva confervoid creeper cycadofilicales diatom equisetum filicoids fruits and vegetables fucus fungus grapevine green algae gulfweed herb heterophyte ivy kelp legume lentil lepidodendrids lepidodendroids liana lichen liverwort mold moss mushroom parasite parasitic plant pea perthophyte phytoplankton planktonic algae plant families puffball pulse red algae rockweed rust saprophyte sargasso sargassum sea lentil sea moss sea wrack seaweed smut succulent toadstool vetch vine wort wrack