greengage

American  

[green-geyj] / ˈgrinˌgeɪdʒ /

noun

1. any of several varieties of light-green plums, as Prunus insititia italica.

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greengage British  

/ ˈɡriːnˌɡeɪdʒ /

noun

1. a cultivated variety of plum tree, Prunus domestica italica, with edible green plumlike fruits

2. the fruit of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of greengage

1715–25; green + Gage, after Sir William Gage, 18th-century English botanist who introduced such varieties from France circa 1725

Example Sentences

He once wrote about asking for the local guava jelly in one of Trinidad's intellectual clubs, only to be told that they only had English greengage jam.

From Time Magazine Archive

A plum or greengage would cost three shillings; cherries and grapes about five, I believe, but this is at some of the dearest shops.

From Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters A Family Record by Austen-Leigh, William

Meta, Ralph, and Leonard have apples, Wilfred and Alwyn pears, mine is a Victoria plum, Joan has a greengage, and Cyril a black cherry.

From The Manor House School by Dixon, Arthur A.

She held up her hand for a catch, and with resignation he threw her another greengage.

From Roden's Corner by Merriman, Henry Seton

Mode.—Roll the paste out thin; put half of it on a baking-sheet or tin, and spread equally over it apricot, greengage, or any preserve that may be preferred.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)