hyson

American  

[hahy-suhn] / ˈhaɪ sən /

noun

1. a Chinese green tea dried and prepared from twisted leaves, especially of the early crop young hyson.

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hyson British  

/ ˈhaɪsən /

noun

1. a Chinese green tea, the early crop of which is known as young hyson and the inferior leaves as hyson skin

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Etymology

Origin of hyson

1730–40; < dialectal Chinese (Guangdong) héichēun, akin to Chinese xīchūn (blooming) spring

Example Sentences

I had the pleasure to carry into Wilmington ten or twelve chests of the finest hyson, which were distributed among the hospitals; and a lot of silver ingots made a narrow escape from confiscation.

From The Narrative of a Blockade-Runner by Wilkinson, John

This afternoon he thought to produce an agreeable surprise in our hostess's mind, by preparing a dish of young hyson.

From Scenes and Andventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas by Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe

In 1740 a later grocer there sold the finest caper tea for 24s. per lb., his fine green for 18s. per lb., hyson at 16s. per lb., and bohea at 7s. per lb.

From Old and New London Volume I by Thornbury, Walter

Just loaded yonder at Douglas, in the Isle of Man--neat cogniac--real hyson and souchong--Mechlin lace, if you want any--right cogniac--we bumped ashore a hundred kegs last night.'

From Guy Mannering — Complete by Scott, Walter, Sir

John sent the tea from o'er the sea   With heavy duties rated; But whether hyson or bohea,   I never heard it stated.

From Poems by Morris, George Pope