Heather

he th ′ėr, n. the Scotch name for the native species of the Linnæan genus Erica , called in the north of England Ling, esp. Erica (now Calluna ) vulgar is , Common Heather, and Erica cinerea , Fine-leaved Heath or Le er Bell-heather.— adj. of the colour of heather.— ns. Heath′er-ale , a famous liquor traditionally brewed in Scotland from the bells of heather; Heath′er-bell , a name given to Erica tetralix (or specially to its blo om), and sometimes also to Erica cinerea .— adj. Heath′ery , of or pertaining to heather.— Set the heather on fire , to create a disturbance; Take to the heather , to become an outlaw. [Usually derived from heath .]