Indian hemp

American  

noun

1. a North American dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum, having erect clusters of greenish-white flowers and a root with laxative and emetic properties.

2. hemp.

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Indian hemp British  

noun

1. another name for hemp, esp the variety Cannabis indica, from which several narcotic drugs are obtained

2. Also called: dogbane.  a perennial American apocynaceous plant, Apocynum cannabinum, whose fibre was formerly used by the Indians to make rope

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Etymology

Origin of Indian hemp

An Americanism dating back to 1610–20

Example Sentences

"I judged by the analogy of Indian hemp," she answered.

From Hilda Wade, a Woman with Tenacity of Purpose by Allen, Grant

Somewhat after the manner of the willow-herb behave the pods and seeds of willows, poplars, milkweeds, Indian hemp, and cotton.

From Seed Dispersal by Beal, W. J. (William James)

There were pieces of thread made of Indian hemp and the inner bark of the elm.

From The Scouts of the Valley by Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander)

The ranunculaceæ contain many plants which yield alkaloids, as Hydrastia canadensis, or Indian hemp, Helleborus, Delphinum, Aconitum, and the alkaloid berberine has been obtained from genera of this family.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 623, December 10, 1887 by Various

This was plainly our Indian hemp, Asclepias incarnata.

From Voyages of Samuel De Champlain — Volume 02 by Otis, Charles P. (Charles Pomeroy)