Judas tree

American  

noun

1. a purple-flowered Eurasian tree, Cercis siliquastrum, of the legume family, supposed to be the kind upon which Judas hanged himself.

2. any of various other trees of the same genus, as the redbud.

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Judas tree British  

noun

1. small Eurasian leguminous tree, Cercis siliquastrum, with pinkish-purple flowers that bloom before the leaves appear: popularly thought to be the tree on which Judas hanged himself See also redbud

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Etymology

Origin of Judas tree

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Judas tree

She ran to the window; she saw the Judas tree, the lawn, the garden gate.

From A Mummer's Tale by Roche, Charles E.

Everywhere, for the mere delight of the eye, not from thought of any gain gotten out of it, is the Judas tree covered with pink flowers, standing among the cool grey olives.

From In Troubadour-Land A Ramble in Provence and Languedoc by Baring-Gould, S. (Sabine)

What trees there were—the Judas tree, the tamarisk, the umbrella-pine—grew close to the low parapets.

From The Enchanted April by Elizabeth

When Mrs. Wilkins came out of her room this window stood wide open, and beyond it in the sun was a Judas tree in full flower.

From The Enchanted April by Elizabeth

As for the Judas tree, she hadn't an idea what it was, and gazed at it out there against the sky with the rapt expression of one who sees a heavenly vision.

From The Enchanted April by Elizabeth