n.
   - a herbaceous plant of north temperate regions, typically with upright stems bearing narrow pointed leaves and spikes of blue or purple flowers. 
[Genus Veronica: many species, including the speedwells.]
 - a cloth supposedly impressed with an image of Christ's face.
 - the movement of a matador's cape away from a charging bull.
 
 
  Etymology
  C16: from med. L., from the given name Veronica; sense 2 with ref. to St Veronica, who offered her headcloth to Christ on the way to Calvary, to wipe his face.