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

See Examples For:

Spanish bayonet

“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

The plant whose piercing spines and sword-like leaves have entitled it to the name of the "Spanish bayonet," was the hermit shrub of this dreadful Zaharah.

From History of the War Between Mexico and the United States, with a Preliminary View of its Origin, Volume 1 by Mayer, Brantz

Owing to the peculiar shape of its leaves it is also called Spanish bayonet.

From Arizona Sketches by Munk, J. A. (Joseph Amasa)

Handsome hedges of the wild pine, the aloe, and the Spanish bayonet line the road, where an occasional royal palm, the emblem of majesty, stands alone, adding grandeur to all the surroundings.

From Due South or Cuba Past and Present by Ballou, Maturin Murray

The drive lies between broad white balustrades, and the moon shone down on us between the leaves of the Spanish bayonet.

From Soldiers of Fortune by Davis, Richard Harding