greengage

[ green-geyj ]

/ ˈgrinˌgeɪdʒ /

any of several varieties of light-green plums, as Prunus insititia italica.

Origin of greengage

1715–25; green + Gage, after Sir William Gage, 18th-century English botanist who introduced such varieties from France circa 1725

Speaking of the greengage, he says, "its taste is so exquisitely sweet and delicious, that nothing can exceed it."

On the Portraits of English Authors on Gardening, |Samuel Felton
The stalks are bladders about the size of a greengage, which enable the plant to float.

Gardening for the Million |Alfred Pink
The pits of greengage plums they cracked between their teeth for the kernels inside.

The People of the Abyss |Jack London
Red jam is usually preferred, but greengage is also popular.

The Book of Pears and Plums |Edward Bartrum

She always drank her half-bottle of red wine to the dregs, and she invariably concluded with a greengage in brandy.

A Versailles Christmas-Tide |Mary Stuart Boyd

greengage

/ (ˈɡriːnˌɡeɪdʒ) /

a cultivated variety of plum tree, Prunus domestica italica, with edible green plumlike fruits

the fruit of this tree

C18: green + -gage, after Sir W. Gage (1777–1864), English botanist who brought it from France