Birch /(bẽrch)/

Birch

n.

pl. Birches ((-ĕz))

  1. A tree of several species, constituting the genus Betula; as, the white or common birch (Betula alba) (also called silver birch and lady birch); the dwarf birch (Betula glandulosa); the paper or canoe birch (Betula papyracea); the yellow birch (Betula lutea); the black or cherry birch (Betula lenta).
  2. The wood or timber of the birch.
  3. A birch twig or birch twigs, used for flogging.
    The threatening twigs of birch.
  4. A birch-bark canoe.

Phrases & Compounds
Birch of Jamaica
a species (Bursera gummifera) of turpentine tree.
Birch partridge
See Ruffed grouse.
Birch wine
wine made of the spring sap of the birch.
Oil of birch
An oil obtained from the bark of the common European birch (Betula alba), and used in the preparation of genuine (and sometimes of the imitation) Russia leather, to which it gives its peculiar odor.

Birch

a.
  1. Of or pertaining to the birch; birchen.

Birch

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Birched; p. pr. & vb. n. Birching

  1. To whip with a birch rod or twig; to flog.