I.a tall umbelliferous plant, Lat. ferula, with a hollow, pithy stalk, in which Prometheus conveyed fire from heaven to earth, Hes. The stalks furnished the Bacchanalian wands (θύρσοι), Eur., (cf. ναρθηκο-φόρος); they were also used for canes by schoolmasters, Xen.
II.a casket for unguents, Luc.