Any orchid that grows in meadows; specifically the early marsh orchid, Dactylorhiza incarnata, widespread in Europe in wet and marshy areas, which typically bears salmon-pink flowers.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Overland Monthly.
Definition of meadow orchid in US English:
meadow orchid
noun
Any orchid that grows in meadows; specifically the early marsh orchid, Dactylorhiza incarnata, widespread in Europe in wet and marshy areas, which typically bears salmon-pink flowers.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Overland Monthly.