What is "brazil wood"

Brazil wood \Bra*zil" wood`\, Brazilwood \Bra*zil"wood`\(br[.a]*z[i^]l" w[oo^]d`). [OE. brasil, LL. brasile (cf. Pg. & Sp. brasil, Pr. bresil, Pr. bresil); perh. from Sp. or Pg. brasa a live coal (cf. Braze, Brasier); or Ar. vars plant for dyeing red or yellow. This name was given to the wood from its color; and it is said that King Emanuel, of Portugal, gave the name Brazil to the country in South America on account of its producing this wood.]

1. The wood of the oriental C[ae]salpinia Sapan; -- so called before the discovery of America.

2. A very heavy wood of a reddish color, imported from Brazil and other tropical countries, for cabinet-work, and for dyeing. The best is the heartwood of Caesalpinia echinata, a leguminous tree; but other trees also yield it. An inferior sort comes from Jamaica, the timber of Caesalpinia Braziliensis and Caesalpinia crista. This is often distinguished as Braziletto, but the better kind is also frequently so named. The wood is also used for violin bows.

3. a tropical tree ( Caesalpinia echinata) with a prickly trunk; its heavy red heartwood (also called brazilwood) yields a red dye and is used for cabinetry.

   Syn: peachwood, pernambuco wood.