Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Brazilwood
Bra-zil′ woodˊ
,Bra-zil′woodˊ
(brȧ-zĭl′ woŏdˊ)
. [OE.
brasil
, LL. brasile
(cf. Pg. & Sp. brasil
, Pr. bresil
, Pr. bresil
); perh. from Sp. or Pg. brasa
a live coal (cf. Braze
, Brasier
); or Ar. vars
plant for dyeing red or yellow. This name was given to the wood from its color; and it is said that King Emanuel
, of Portugal
, gave the name Brazil to the country in South America on account of its producing this wood.] 1.
The wood of the oriental
Cæsalpinia Sapan
; – so called before the discovery of America. 2.
A very heavy wood of a reddish color, imported from Brazil and other tropical countries, for cabinet-work, and for dyeing. The best is the heartwood of
Caesalpinia echinata
, a leguminous tree; but other trees also yield it. An inferior sort comes from Jamaica, the timber of Caesalpinia Braziliensis
and Caesalpinia crista
. This is often distinguished as Braziletto
, but the better kind is also frequently so named. The wood is also used for violin bows.