greengage

American  

[green-geyj] / ˈgrinˌgeɪdʒ /

noun

1. any of several varieties of light-green plums, as Prunus insititia italica.

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greengage British  

/ ˈɡriːnˌɡeɪdʒ /

noun

1. a cultivated variety of plum tree, Prunus domestica italica, with edible green plumlike fruits

2. the fruit of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of greengage

1715–25; green + Gage, after Sir William Gage, 18th-century English botanist who introduced such varieties from France circa 1725

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

greengage

He once wrote about asking for the local guava jelly in one of Trinidad's intellectual clubs, only to be told that they only had English greengage jam.

From Time Magazine Archive

A plum or greengage would cost three shillings; cherries and grapes about five, I believe, but this is at some of the dearest shops.

From Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters A Family Record by Austen-Leigh, William

Speaking of the greengage, he says, "its taste is so exquisitely sweet and delicious, that nothing can exceed it."

From On the Portraits of English Authors on Gardening, with Biographical Notices of Them, 2nd edition, with considerable additions by Felton, Samuel

Red jam is usually preferred, but greengage is also popular.

From The Book of Pears and Plums by Bartrum, Edward

Those fruits like the peach, greengage, and mulberry, which almost melt in the mouth, contain a very large amount of soluble substances.

From The Art of Living in Australia ; together with three hundred Australian cookery recipes and accessory kitchen information by Mrs. H. Wicken by Muskett, Philip E.