What is "deal tree"

Deal \Deal\ (d[=e]l), n. [OE. del, deel, part, AS. d[=ae]l; akin to OS. d[=e]l, D. & Dan. deel, G. theil, teil, Icel. deild, Sw. del, Goth. dails. [root]65. Cf. 3d Dole.]

1. A part or portion; a share; hence, an indefinite quantity, degree, or extent, degree, or extent; as, a deal of time and trouble; a deal of cold.

   Three tenth deals [parts of an ephah] of flour.
   --Num. xv. 9.

   As an object of science it [the Celtic genius] may count for a good deal . . . as a spiritual power.
   --M. Arnold.

   She was resolved to be a good deal more circumspect.
   --W. Black.

   Note: It was formerly limited by some, every, never a, a thousand, etc.; as, some deal; but these are now obsolete or vulgar. In general, we now qualify the word with great or good, and often use it adverbially, by being understood; as, a great deal of time and pains; a great (or good) deal better or worse; that is, better by a great deal, or by a great part or difference.

2. The process of dealing cards to the players; also, the portion disturbed.

   The deal, the shuffle, and the cut.
   --Swift.

3. Distribution; apportionment. [Colloq.]

4. An arrangement to attain a desired result by a combination of interested parties; -- applied to stock speculations and political bargains. [Slang]

5. [Prob. from D. deel a plank, threshing floor. See Thill.] The division of a piece of timber made by sawing; a board or plank; particularly, a board or plank of fir or pine above seven inches in width, and exceeding six feet in length. If narrower than this, it is called a batten; if shorter, a deal end.

   Note: Whole deal is a general term for planking one and one half inches thick.

6. Wood of the pine or fir; as, a floor of deal.

   Deal tree, a fir tree.
   --Dr. Prior.

n. fir tree