papilionaceous

adj

1. (obsolete)Pertaining to a butterfly or butterflies.

   “Thefe are alfo called by Reaumur Papillionaceous Flies, that have their wings half tranfparent.”

2. Having a corolla in the form of a butterfly, with prominent wing-like petals; (generally) pertaining to the Faboidea (Papilionoidea) family of plants.

   “[T]he broad road is lined with wild bushes and tangled shrubs lavishly decked with brilliant blossoms: the lentisk, so covered with yellow, papilionaceous flowers [translating Schmetterlingsblumen] that not a green leaf is visible…”

3. (figuratively)Like a butterfly; showy; capricious.

   “Ali G was a glorious, comedic butterfly, but it's my sad duty to report that his exquisitely papilionaceous character is currently being broken upon a wheel.”