bowstring hemp

noun

1. any of various fibrous plants of the genus Sansevieria, of Asia and Africa, having stiff, erect, variegated or mottled leaves, cultivated in the U.S. as an ornamental.

bowstring hemp

noun

1. a hemplike fibre obtained from the sansevieria

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowstring hemp¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Also known as the snake plant, St. George’s sword, viper’s bowstring hemp or, for the vengeful among us, mother-in-law’s tongue, the common houseplant has more than enough monikers.

From Los Angeles Times

That stuff is a bundle of bowstring hemp.

From Project Gutenberg