benjamin-bush

[ben-juh-muh n-boo sh]

noun

spicebush.

Origin of benjamin-bush

First recorded in 1755–65

spicebush

[spahys-boo sh]

noun

Also called spice-wood. a yellow-flowered, North American shrub, Lindera benzoin, of the laurel family, whose bark and leaves have a spicy odor.
a North American shrub, Calycanthus occidentalis, having oblong leaves and fragrant, light-brown flowers.

Origin of spicebush

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70; spice + bush¹

Also called Benjamin-bush.

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

Examples from the Web for benjamin-bush

Historical Examples of benjamin-bush

You should see the “spice-bush” (wild allspice or fever-bush or Benjamin-bush) in bloom in the damp March woods.
The Spring of the Year
Dallas Lore Sharp
Spice-bush: wild allspice, fever-bush, Benjamin-bush (Benzoin æstivale).
The Spring of the Year
Dallas Lore Sharp

British Dictionary definitions for benjamin-bush

spicebush

noun

a North American lauraceous shrub, Lindera benzoin, having yellow flowers and aromatic leaves and bark

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