chaste tree

chaste tree
\\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ noun
Etymology: translation of Latin agnus castus, by folk etymology (influence of Latin agnus lamb) from Greek agnos (associated with chastity rites because of influence of hagnos chaste, sacred)

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a shrub or small tree, Vitex agnus-castus, of southern Europe, having aromatic, hairy leaves and long clusters of fragrant, pale lilac-blue flowers. Also called hemp tree, monk's pepper tree.
[1555-65; trans. of L agnus castus, var. of AGNOS CASTUS (by influence of agnus lamb) < Gk ágnos kind of willow + L castus chaste, reinforcement of the idea thought to be in ágnos by confusion with Gk hagnós pure]

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chaste tree noun
A small European and Asian tree (Vitex agnus-castus) with upright panicles of violet-blue, fragrant flowers
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Main Entry: ↑chaste

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n. a southern European shrub with blue or white flowers, grown as an ornamental. It is also highly valued for its dark purple berries, which yield medicinal preparations used to treat gynecological conditions. Also called vitex. ● Vitex agnus-castus, family Verbenaceae
Origin:
mid 16th cent.: so named because of its association with chastity in sacrifices to Ceres

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Chaste tree — Chaste Chaste (ch[=a]st), a. [F. chaste, from L. castus pure, chaste; cf. Gr. kaqaro s pure, Skr. [,c]udh to purify.] [1913 Webster] 1. Pure from unlawful sexual intercourse; virtuous; continent. As chaste as Diana. Shak. [1913 Webster] Whose bed …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • chaste tree — a shrub or small tree, Vitex agnus castus, of southern Europe, having aromatic, hairy leaves and long clusters of fragrant, pale lilac blue flowers. Also called hemp tree, monk s pepper tree. [1555 65; trans. of L agnus castus, var. of AGNOS… …   Universalium

  • chaste tree — /ˈtʃeɪst tri/ (say chayst tree) noun a deciduous shrub, originally from the Mediterranean, Vitex agnus castus, with dense lilac flowers and aromatic fragrance …  

  • chaste tree — noun A shrub native to the Mediterranean region (Vitex agnus castus) …   Wiktionary

  • chaste tree — Vitex agnus castus, a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, having blue or pink flowers and reddish black berries. [USP] an extract prepared from the berries and root bark of V. agnus castus, used for the symptomatic treatment of premenstrual …   Medical dictionary

  • chaste tree — noun an ornamental shrub with blue or white flowers. [Vitex agnus castus.] Origin C16: so named because of its assoc. with chastity in sacrifices to Ceres (the Roman goddess of agriculture) …   English new terms dictionary

  • Chaste — (ch[=a]st), a. [F. chaste, from L. castus pure, chaste; cf. Gr. kaqaro s pure, Skr. [,c]udh to purify.] [1913 Webster] 1. Pure from unlawful sexual intercourse; virtuous; continent. As chaste as Diana. Shak. [1913 Webster] Whose bed is undefiled… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • chaste berry — chaste tree berry the fruit of the chaste tree, which is used medicinally …   Medical dictionary

  • five-leaved chaste tree — ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun : an Asiatic shrub or small tree (Vitex negundo) with showy lilac panicled flowers …   Useful english dictionary

  • tree — 1. noun /tɹiː,tʃɹiː/ a) A large plant, not exactly defined, but typically over four meters in height, a single trunk which grows in girth with age and branches (which also grow in circumference with age). is the tallest living tree in the world.… …   Wiktionary

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