fetterbush

[ fet-er-boosh ]

noun

1. an evergreen shrub, Lyonia lucida, of the heath family, native to the southern U.S., having clusters of fragrant, white flowers.
2. a similar shrub, Pieris floribunda, having long upright clusters of small white flowers.
3. any of several heathlike shrubs of the southern U.S.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetterbush¹

1855–60, Americanism; fetter + bush ¹; so called because it impedes walkers