bourtree

[ boor-tree ]

noun

1. European elder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bourtree¹

1400–50; late Middle English burtre, equivalent to bur (of uncertain origin) + tre tree

Example Sentences

In Scotland this tree is known as the bourtree, and hence the rhyme— "Bourtree, bourtree, crooked wrung, Never straight and never strong; Ever bush and never tree, Since our Lord was nailed to thee."

From Project Gutenberg

At the byre end the old rowan-trees were creaking and groaning to the violence of the gale, the bourtree bushes were flattened near to the ground, and everywhere was white.

From Project Gutenberg

What care I for howlet's cry, For bourtree bank, or warlock craigie?

From Project Gutenberg