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boneset

[bohn-set]
noun
  1. any composite plant of the genus Eupatorium, especially E. perfoliatum, of North America, having white flowers in a flat-topped cluster.
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Origin of boneset

1810–20, Americanism; bone + set (v.), so named (by hyperbole) because supposed to have healing properties
Also called thoroughwort.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for boneset

Historical Examples

  • All she wants is a bit o' boneset tea, or sage an' sassafras.

    Reels and Spindles

    Evelyn Raymond

  • She was more than ever convinced of the efficacy of boneset.

    Just Patty

    Jean Webster

  • Look at the seeds of the boneset, joe-pye-weed, milkweed, and goldenrod!

    The Fall of the Year

    Dallas Lore Sharp

  • If it wasn't—only-half a lung, and I could carry the boneset 'long with us.

    Romany of the Snows

    Gilbert Parker

  • Same as Hoarhound, except make a liquor of Boneset instead of Hoarhound.

British Dictionary definitions for boneset

boneset

noun
  1. any of various North American plants of the genus Eupatorium, esp E. perfoliatum, which has flat clusters of small white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)Also called: agueweed, feverwort, thoroughwort
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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