false beechdrops

noun

See under pinesap.

Origin of false beechdrops

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

pinesap

[pahyn-sap]

noun

either of two parasitic or saprophytic plants of the genus Monotropa, especially the tawny or reddish M. hypopithys (false beechdrops), of eastern North America.

Compare Indian pipe.

Origin of pinesap

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; pine¹ + sap¹

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