Indian poke

[ in-dee-uhn pohk ]

noun

1. false hellebore.
2. a pokeweed, Phytolacca acinosa, native to southern and eastern Asia and cultivated elsewhere: all parts of the plant are toxic, but if prepared properly, the young leaves and shoots are edible.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Indian poke¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Seeing a filthy Indian poke them out of a bottle with a stick, occasionally giving it a suck, did not enhance the flavor of the fruit.

From Project Gutenberg

We went on down the brook to the meadow, called after its owner's name; the stream was more sluggish here, and along its turfy banks the clumps of Indian poke were very numerous.

From Project Gutenberg

We looked all along the brook, but could see no Indian poke, the fresh growths of which will poison stock.

From Project Gutenberg