The Collaborative International Dictionary
Acacia catechu
Catechu \Cat"e*chu\, n. [See Cashoo.] (Chem.)
A dry, brown, astringent extract, obtained by decoction and
evaporation from the Acacia catechu, and several other
plants growing in India. It contains a large portion of
tannin or tannic acid, and is used in medicine and in the
arts. It is also known by the names terra japonica,
cutch, gambier, etc.
--Ure.
--Dunglison.