Spanish bayonet

American  

noun

1. any of certain plants belonging to the genus Yucca, of the agave family, having narrow, spine-tipped leaves and a cluster of white flowers.

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Spanish bayonet British  

noun

1. any of several American liliaceous plants of the genus Yucca, esp Y. aloifolia, that have a tall woody stem, stiff pointed leaves, and large clusters of white flowers: cultivated for ornament See also Adam's-needle

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Etymology

Origin of Spanish bayonet

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; in allusion to its tropical American origin

Example Sentences

“It is not very costly,” he said, adding that a vegetation barrier of Spanish bayonet, a plant known for its pointy and sharp leaves, would make for “quite a greeting” to any future intruders.

From US News • Sep. 30, 2014

Handsome hedges of the wild pine, the aloe, and the Spanish bayonet line the road, where an occasional royal palm, the emblem of majesty, stands alone, adding grandeur to all the surroundings.

From Due South or Cuba Past and Present by Ballou, Maturin Murray

The next day they built up this new fire, and then went fishing in the neighboring stream with their bone fishhooks, and lines made of the Spanish bayonet leaf.

From Stories of American Life and Adventure by Eggleston, Edward

The desert flowered gayly with the purple, pink, and scarlet blossoms of the cacti and with the white, lilylike buds of the Spanish bayonet.

From Oh, You Tex! by Raine, William MacLeod

Yucca Mohavensis, commonly called "wild date," or "Spanish bayonet," is more widely distributed within our borders than either of our other species.

From The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth