chicory (n.)

popular name of a common blue-flowered plant cultivated for its root, late 14c., cicoree (modern form from mid-15c.), from Middle French cichorée "endive, chicory" (15c., Modern French chicorée), from Latin cichoreum, from Greek kikhorion (plural kikhoreia) "endive," which is of unknown origin. Klein suggests a connection with Old Egyptian keksher "chicory" (the plant is said to have been grown and used in ancient Egypt). The modern English form is from French influence. Compare endive.