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

You will wonder whether obtaining a jar of Tasmanian leatherwood honey, which pairs with lentils, beer and smoked cheeses, could be worth the bother.

From Washington Post

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

"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 Project Gutenberg