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

See Examples For:

crab tree

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

Imprinted by John Anoke, and John Astile, for the Baylive of Withernam, cum privilegio perennitatis, and are to bee sold at the signe of the crab tree cudgell in thwackcoate lane.'

From The Book-Hunter at Home by Allan, P. B. M.

Like a prairie it rolls gently away, dotted with hawthorn bushes, here and there a crab tree, and two rows of noble elms, in both of which the rooks are busy in spring.

From Wild Life in a Southern County by Jefferies, Richard

What do ’e expect from a fule but folly, or a crab tree but useless fruit, or hot blood but the ways of it?

From Children of the Mist by Phillpotts, Eden

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