matrimony vine

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Lycium, of the nightshade family, species of which are cultivated for their foliage, flowers, and berries.

matrimony vine

noun

1. Also called: boxthorn. any of various shrubs of the solanaceous genus Lycium, cultivated for their purple flowers and colourful berries

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrimony vine¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

“Pin one of those blues roses on me,” Pape asked; when she had done so, added: “Out home we call that ‘matrimony vine.’

Read more on Project Gutenberg

The inevitable white curtains were fluttering freshly from the window, over which a huge matrimony vine drooped lazily and rung its pink and white bells to invite the passing bees.

Read more on Project Gutenberg