spicebush (spisbush)

A North American shrub, Lindera Benzoin, the bark and leaves of R. de Brunne, MS. Bowes, p. 31. ( Hall i well.) which have a spicy odor, bearing small yellow zygænine. Al that toucheth dedly synne In any spyce that we falle ynne. MS . Harl . 1701, f. 1. ( Hall i well . For trew the telleth that loue is triacle of heuene; May no synne be on him sene that vseth that spise. Piers Plowman (B), i. 147. IMG:content-1735.png:[blocks in formation] spiced spiced (spist), p. a. [ In the spiced Indian air, by night, Full often hath she go ip'd by my side. Shak., M. N. D., ii. 1. 124. Spiced carnations of rose and garnet crowned their bed in July and August. R. T. Cooke , Somebody's Neighbors, p. 39. 21. Particular as to detail; over-nice in matters of conscience or the like; scrupulous; squeamish. Ye sholde been al pacient and meke, And han a sweete, spiced conscience, Sith ye so preche of Jobes pacience. Chaucer , Prol. to Wife of Bath's Tale, 1. 435. Take it; 'tis yours; Be not so spiced ; 'tis good gold, And goodne is no gall to the conscience. Fletcher, Mad Lover, iii. 1. 5829 bear1.] 1. In bot., bearing or producing spikes; spicate; eared.-2. In ornith., spurred; having spurs or calcars, as a fowl. spic i form (spi'si-form), a. [L. spica, a point, spike, ear, + form a, form.] Having the form of a spica or spike. spicily (spi'si-li), adv. In a spicy manner; pungently; with a spicy flavor. spicine (spī'si-nes), n. The quality of being racy, piquant, or spicy, in any sense. Delighted with the spicine of this beautiful young The Century, XXVI. 370. woman.