Spanish bayonet

noun

1. any of certain plants belonging to the genus Yucca, of the agave family, having narrow, spine-tipped leaves and a cluster of white flowers.

Spanish bayonet

noun

1. See Adam's-needle
   any of several American liliaceous plants of the genus Yucca, esp Y. aloifolia, that have a tall woody stem, stiff pointed leaves, and large clusters of white flowers: cultivated for ornament See also Adam's-needle

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spanish bayonet¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; in allusion to its tropical American origin

Example Sentences

Only the stubborn aloes, the Spanish-bayonet, and the prickly-pears kept their position.

From Project Gutenberg

“A plant they call Spanish Bayonet,” replied Jack, seriously now.

From Project Gutenberg