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

Stuart and Stonewall Jackson, staff behind them, pursued a span-wide bridle path, overarched by dogwood and Judas tree.

From The Long Roll by Johnston, Mary

There are more boats at its wharves than buds on yonder Judas tree.

From Lewis Rand by Johnston, Mary

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

From The Enchanted April by Elizabeth

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

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

Cercis Siliquastrum.—This is the Judas tree, and as many know, while the leaves are still absent the stems bear clusters of rosy-purple flowers.

From Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens by Cook, Ernest Thomas