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.

boneset

/ ˈbəʊnˌsɛt /

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 calledagueweedfeverwortthoroughwort

Word History and Origins

Origin of boneset¹

1810–20, Americanism; bone ( def ) + set (v.), so named (by hyperbole) because supposed to have healing properties

Example Sentences

Quinine was scarce and boneset tea and flannel bandages saturated with turpentine were used as substitutes.

From Project Gutenberg

Boneset tea and black stockings with garters for Alexander the Great!

From Project Gutenberg

So he got an old bottle, looked as if some tipsy Indian had thrown it away, and filled it with a dose of boneset tea.

From Project Gutenberg

It tastes like the boneset—everything is going to taste like boneset for the next six weeks.

From Project Gutenberg

Violet, pennyroyal or boneset tea, is excellent to promote perspiration in case of sudden chill.

From Project Gutenberg