leatherwood

American  

[leth-er-wood] / ˈlɛð ərˌwʊd /

noun

1. an American shrub, Dirca palustris, having a tough bark.

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leatherwood British  

/ ˈlɛðəˌwʊd /

noun

1. Also called: wicopy.  a North American thymelaeaceous shrub, Dirca palustris, with pale yellow flowers and tough flexible branches

2. any of various Australian shrubs of the family Cunoniaceae

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Etymology

Origin of leatherwood

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45; leather + wood ¹

Example Sentences

If well grown, the leatherwood makes a very neat plant; blossoms appear before the leaves, but not showy; 4-6 ft.

From Manual of Gardening (Second Edition) by Bailey, L. H. (Liberty Hyde)

In California grows a tree called by three popular names: leatherwood, slippery elm, and silver oak.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

Never before have I seen the California slippery elm or leatherwood tree in such perfect form.

From Out of Doors—California and Oregon by Graves, J. A.

Gillespie pulled the leatherwood latch-string which lifted the catch of his door, and pushed it open.

From The Leatherwood God by Howells, William Dean

"I have a substitute at hand, ma belle," and Louis pointed to the strips of leatherwood that he had collected for binding the dressings on his cousin's foot.

From Canadian Crusoes by Traill, Catharine Parr Strickland