The Collaborative International Dictionary
Jamaica dogwood
Dogwood \Dog"wood`\ (-w[oo^]d`), n. [So named from skewers (dags) being made of it. --Dr. Prior. See Dag, and Dagger.] (Bot.) The Cornus, a genus of large shrubs or small trees, the wood of which is exceedingly hard, and serviceable for many purposes. Note: There are several species, one of which, Cornus mascula, called also cornelian cherry, bears a red acid berry. Cornus florida is the flowering dogwood, a small American tree with very showy blossoms. Dogwood tree.
The dogwood or Cornus.
A papilionaceous tree ( Piscidia erythrina) growing in Jamaica. It has narcotic properties; -- called also Jamaica dogwood.