They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice.
Alternatively, "posy holders", available in a variety of shapes and materials (although often silver), enable the wearing of these arrangements "at the waist, in the hair, or secured with a brooch".
[2] The term nosegay arose in fifteenth-century Middle English as a combination of nose and gay (the latter then meaning "ornament").
[3][4] The term tussie-mussie (also tussy-mussy) comes from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), when the small bouquets became a popular fashion accessory.
Typically, tussie-mussies include floral symbolism from the language of flowers, and therefore may be used to send a message to the recipient.