mistleto

1 definition found

mistleto - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Mistletoe \Mis"tle*toe\, n. [AS. mistelt[=a]n; mistel mistletoe
     + t[=a]n twig. AS. mistel is akin of D., G., Dan. & Sw.
     mistel, OHG. mistil, Icel. mistilteinn; and AS. t[=a]n to D.
     teen, OHG. zein, Icel. teinn, Goth. tains. Cf. Missel.]
     (Bot.)
     A parasitic evergreen plant of Europe (Viscum album),
     bearing a glutinous fruit. When found upon the oak, where it
     is rare, it was an object of superstitious regard among the
     Druids. A bird lime is prepared from its fruit. [Written also
     misletoe, misseltoe, and mistleto.] --Lindley.
     --Loudon.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The mistletoe of the United States is Phoradendron serotinum
            (syn. Phoradendron flavescens), having
           broader leaves than the European kind. In different
           regions various similar plants are called by this name.
           The mistletoe is used as a decoration at Christmas
           time, and it is a tradition that two persons of the
           oposite sex finding each other under a mistletoe sprig
           should kiss.
           [1913 Webster +PJC]