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touchwood

[tuhch-woo d]
noun
  1. wood converted into an easily ignitible substance by the action of certain fungi, and used as tinder; punk.
  2. Mycology. amadou.
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Origin of touchwood

First recorded in 1570–80; touch + wood1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for touchwood

Historical Examples of touchwood

  • There was no moisture there, and his mouth was as dry as touchwood.

    Young Mr. Barter's Repentance

    David Christie Murray

  • Let every thing be done to make Mr. Touchwood comfortable, in the way he wishes.

    St. Ronan's Well

    Sir Walter Scott

  • Lady Binks, the old landlady, and Touchwood are all very good.

    St. Ronan's Well

    Sir Walter Scott

  • His name is Touchwood,” said his informer; “ye may see him at the Waal every morning.

    St. Ronan's Well

    Sir Walter Scott

  • “Ay, makes them go down hill to the devil,” answered Touchwood.

    St. Ronan's Well

    Sir Walter Scott

British Dictionary definitions for touchwood

touchwood

noun
  1. something, esp dry wood or fungus material such as amadou, used as tinder
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Word Origin for touchwood

C16: touch (in the sense: to kindle) + wood 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012