tuckahoe

American  

[tuhk-uh-hoh] / ˈtʌk əˌhoʊ /

noun

1. Also called Indian bread.  the edible, underground sclerotium of the fungus Poria cocos, found on the roots of trees in the southern United States.

2. arrow arum.

3. (usually initial capital letter) a Virginian, especially one inhabiting the lowland east of the Blue Ridge.

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Etymology

Origin of tuckahoe

First recorded in 1605–15, earlier applied to various roots and underground fungi, from Virginia Algonquian ( English spelling) tockwhogh, tockawhoughe, taccaho “arrow arum root” (used for bread), derivative of Proto-Algonquian takwah- “to pound (it) fine, reduce (it) to flour” (unattested); compare Shawnee takhwa “bread”

Example Sentences

There is another root found in Virginia called tuckahoe, and confounded with the flag-like root described above, and erroneously supposed by many to grow without stem or leaf.

From History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia by Campbell, Charles

Later on, the women spread a great breakfast of fish and turkey and venison, maize bread, tuckahoe and pohickory.

From To Have and to Hold by Johnston, Mary

The roots of tuckahoe, often as large as a man's arm, contain a crystalline acid that burns the mouth of a human being like fire.

From Agriculture in Virginia, 1607-1699 by Carrier, Lyman

While tuckahoe is not a fattening feed, hogs eating it make satisfactory gains in weight.

From Agriculture in Virginia, 1607-1699 by Carrier, Lyman