allspice

[awl-spahys]

noun

the dried, unripe berries of an aromatic tropical American tree, Pimenta dioica, used whole or ground as a spice.
the tree itself.

Origin of allspice

First recorded in 1615–25; all + spice

Also called pimento.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for allspice

Contemporary Examples of allspice

Reduce to a simmer and add the cinnamon stick, allspice and nutmeg.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce, Plus Swiss Chard
The Daily Beast
November 25, 2008

Historical Examples of allspice

Steep a quarter of a pound of rice in a pint of milk, with an onion, a dozen pepper corns or allspice, and a little mace.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
It makes a most grateful addition in all cases where allspice is used, in gravies, or to flavour and preserve potted meats.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
A few drops of either will be a grateful addition to a pint of gravy, or mulled wine, or in any case where allspice is used.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
Having cleaned them nicely, rub every part well with a seasoning of white pepper and salt, mace and allspice in fine powder.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
Set it in a stewpan that will just hold it, with mutton or beef gravy, half a pint of port wine, with pepper and allspice.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton

British Dictionary definitions for allspice

allspice

noun

a tropical American myrtaceous tree, Pimenta officinalis, having small white flowers and aromatic berries
the whole or powdered seeds of this berry used as a spice, having a flavour said to resemble a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg

Also called: pimento, Jamaica pepper

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for allspice

spice made from the berry of the Jamaican pimento, 1620s, from all + spice (n.), "so called because supposed to combine the flavour of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves." [Weekley]