The plant family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae); (also) the genus Brassica, which includes many plants used as vegetables, as cabbage, broccoli, turnip, swede, etc.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Abercrombie (1726–1806), horticulturist and writer.
Definition of cabbage family in US English:
cabbage family
noun
The plant family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae); (also) the genus Brassica, which includes many plants used as vegetables, as cabbage, broccoli, turnip, swede, etc.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Abercrombie (1726–1806), horticulturist and writer.