birchen

[ bur-chuhn ]

/ ˈbɜr tʃən /

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adjective

of or relating to birch.

made or consisting of birch: birchen furniture.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of birchen

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at birch, -en²

In those days the lazy waters of the Loire flowed midst osier-beds and birchen thickets, since removed for purposes of navigation.
The Life of Joan of Arc, Vol. 1 and 2 (of 2)|Anatole France
Better by far it seemed to me had the wolves taken my life, or I had been burnt as a birchen tree.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson|Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
But I laughed at him and saw his broad paddle stab the water, and the birchen craft shoot out among the reeds.
The Little Red Foot|Robert W. Chambers
When he had reached the shore he went up into a birchen copse, and made the lions lie quiet.
East of the Sun and West of the Moon|Peter Christen Asbjrnsen

He uttered a low cry of exultation on observing the graceful birchen structure, and began a hasty examination.
Blazing Arrow|Edward S. Ellis