wayfaring tree

[ wey-fair-ing tree ]

noun

1. alsocalledcomma British, whitten. a Eurasian shrub, Viburnum lantana, of the honeysuckle family, having finely toothed, ovate leaves and branching clusters of white flowers, growing along roadsides and cultivated as an ornamental in North America.
2. the hobblebush.

wayfaring tree

noun

1. a caprifoliaceous shrub, Viburnum lantana, of Europe and W Asia, having white flowers and berries that turn from red to black

Word History and Origins

Origin of wayfaring tree¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; short for wayfaring man's tree

Example Sentences

The twigs of the wayfaring tree are covered with a mealy substance which comes off on the fingers when touched.

From Project Gutenberg

For the elder was known as the wayfaring tree and was sacred to pilgrims and travellers.

From Project Gutenberg