Spanish bayonet

American  

noun

1. any of certain plants belonging to the genus Yucca, of the agave family, having narrow, spine-tipped leaves and a cluster of white flowers.

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Spanish bayonet British  

noun

1. any of several American liliaceous plants of the genus Yucca, esp Y. aloifolia, that have a tall woody stem, stiff pointed leaves, and large clusters of white flowers: cultivated for ornament See also Adam's-needle

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Etymology

Origin of Spanish bayonet

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; in allusion to its tropical American origin

Example Sentences

“It is not very costly,” he said, adding that a vegetation barrier of Spanish bayonet, a plant known for its pointy and sharp leaves, would make for “quite a greeting” to any future intruders.

From US News • Sep. 30, 2014

When the children were all in position, Hasjelti, carrying a fawn skin containing sacred meal, and Hostjoboard, carrying two needles of the Spanish bayonet, stood in front of the children.

From Ceremonial of Hasjelti Dailjis and Mythical Sand Painting of the Navajo Indians by Stevenson, James

Ned fell headforemost into a thicket of the terrible Spanish bayonet and it was only the excitement of the hour that made the pain bearable.

From Dick in the Everglades by Dimock, A. W.

The camp was in a bend of the Del Norte, in a glade surrounded by tall cotton-woods, whose smooth trunks rose vertically out of a thick underwood of palmettoes and Spanish bayonet.

From The Scalp Hunters by Stewart, F.A.

Eastward he rode through tall mesquite thickets, over rolling hills where clumps of bear-grass grew among spiked yuccas and needle-pointed tufts of Spanish bayonet, and climbed the pass beyond.

From When the West Was Young by Bechdolt, Frederick R. (Frederick Ritchie)