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

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.

We had to camp in the snow, and the only pleasure I had in the whole journey was in seeing my companion slip and sit down squarely on a Spanish bayonet plant.

From The Comstock Club by Goodwin, Charles Carroll

Here and there a cactus rose gauntly, some in the tall Spanish bayonet with its lovely bloom, and some in the low, dagger-like plant close to the ground.

From Across the Mesa by Pitz, Henry Clarence

Yucca Mohavensis, commonly called "wild date," or "Spanish bayonet," is more widely distributed within our borders than either of our other species.

From The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth