crab tree

American  

noun

1. a tree bearing crab apples.

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Etymology

Origin of crab tree

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Example Sentences

Here and there crabs cling to the tough crab tree, whose bark has a dull gloss on it something like dark polished leather.

From Wild Life in a Southern County by Jefferies, Richard

Besides several crab-stoles—the buds of the crab might be mistaken for thorns growing pointed at the extreme end of the twigs—there was a large crab tree, which bore a plentiful crop.

From Round About a Great Estate by Jefferies, Richard

In an aperture in the "crab tree" the guides recommend ladies to pass.

From Blacker's Art of Fly Making, &c. Comprising Angling, & Dyeing of Colours, with Engravings of Salmon & Trout Flies by Blacker, William

The wild crab tree is the parent of most of the cultivated varieties.

From Science in the Kitchen. by Kellogg, Mrs. E. E.

They had scarcely marched a mile when, their legs failing them, they were forced to lie down under a crab tree, where they passed the night.

From The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon by Irving, Washington