bay tree

Origin of bay tree

First recorded in 1520–30

Hot water, or preferably a decoction of cloves and the bark of the bay-tree, is very useful for recovering consciousness.

A Guide to Health |Mahatma Gandhi
The decay of the Bay-tree, which is generally rapid, was formerly considered as an omen of disaster.

Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics |Richard Folkard
On a wreath of the colours, a wood lark perching on a sprig of bay-tree, proper, for crest.

The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. |Robert Burns and Allan Cunningham
Was there not a bay-tree that flourished, and had he not been summoned in a vision to lay an axe to its roots?

V. V.'s Eyes |Henry Sydnor Harrison

The bay-tree was commonly believed to afford protection from lightning.

The Queer, the Quaint and the Quizzical |Frank H. Stauffer

bay tree

another name for bay 4 (def. 1)