honey locust

noun

1. a thorny North American tree, Gleditsia triacanthos, of the legume family, having small, compound leaves and pods with a sweet pulp.

honey locust

noun

1. a thorny leguminous tree, Gleditsia triacanthos of E North America, that has long pods containing a sweet-tasting pulp
2. another name for mesquite

Word History and Origins

Origin of honey locust¹

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45

Example Sentences

In cattle country, ranchers plant honey locust trees in their pastures to provide shade during the summer and nutrient-rich pods that feed animals.

From Science News

In refurbishing the park, the designers added 54 honey locust trees and one larger London Plane at the northeastern corner.

From The Daily Beast

For something sweet he could go to the pod of the honey-locust.

From Project Gutenberg

Lee's staff halted; Lee himself came on, checked the iron-grey, dismounted, and walked toward the honey locust.

From Project Gutenberg

The deciduous plants tried were the buckthorn, Osage orange, honey-locust, privet and barberry.

From Project Gutenberg

The Honey locust has been extensively used for hedges of late years on account of its hardiness.

From Project Gutenberg

At last he was tired from defending himself alone against two, and pretended to aim a blow at the honey-locust tree.

From Project Gutenberg