henbane

American  

[hen-beyn] / ˈhɛnˌbeɪn /

noun

1. an Old World plant, Hyoscyamus niger, of the nightshade family, having sticky, hairy fetid foliage and greenish-yellow flowers, and possessing narcotic and poisonous properties especially destructive to domestic fowls.

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henbane British  

/ ˈhɛnˌbeɪn /

noun

1. a poisonous solanaceous European plant, Hyoscyamus niger, with sticky hairy leaves and funnel-shaped greenish flowers: yields the drug hyoscyamine

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Etymology

Origin of henbane

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at hen, bane

Example Sentences

The roots of the Henbane are to be distinguished by their very powerful and narcotic scent.

From The Botanist's Companion, Volume II by Salisbury, William

In some districts horsedealers mix the seed of Henbane with their oats, in order to fatten the animals.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

Two of the large plates were visible from the street; one was Henbane, the other Stramonium.

From Two Little Savages Being the adventures of two boys who lived as Indians and what they learned by Seton, Ernest Thompson

A third character belonging to the class under consideration, is Henbane Dwining, the 'pottingar,' apothecary or 'leech,' in the novel of 'The Fair Maid of Perth.'

From Continental Monthly, Vol. III, No IV, April 1863 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various

Mr. Henbane had also departed, on the wings of an infallible antidote.

From Crotchet Castle by Peacock, Thomas Love