alligator pear

noun

1. avocado ( def 1 ).

alligator pear

noun

1. another name for avocado

Word History and Origins

Origin of alligator pear¹

First recorded in 1755–65; alligator, alteration by folk etymology of Latin American Spanish (Mexico) aguacate ; with reference to the fruit's bumpy skin; avocado

Example Sentences

Alligator-pear salad—more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold—is offered to me.

From Project Gutenberg

It was like an alligator pear—and his complexion was like those cactus fruits that likewise infest fancy grocers' shops.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably the man who would order "stewed tripe Spanish" wouldn't touch an alligator pear salad.

From Project Gutenberg

One large or two small heads of lettuce; four medium sized tomatoes; one alligator pear.

From Project Gutenberg

They have not the plantain, good 21 baked, nor the avocado or alligator pear, which fried in butter or oil is so admirable.

From Project Gutenberg