persimmon (per simon)

[Also per simon; Amer. Ind.] 1. One of several species of the genus Diospyros; primarily, D. Virgin i an a of North America, the date-plum, a tree common in the South, growing to a height of 60 feet. The hard fine wood of the species is used in turnery, etc., and especially for shuttles. The black or Mexican persimmon, or chapote, is D. Texana of Mexico and Texas, with a small black sweet and insipid fruit; its wood is probably the best American substitute for box. D. Kaki is the Japanese persimmon. 2. The fruit of any of the above-named trees. That of D. Virgin i an a is an inch in diameter, is extremely astringent when green and testihl die it remedy for diarrhea; when frosted or thoroughly ripe sweet and edible. With other ingredients yields a domestic beer. - Not a huckleberry to one's persimmon, not to be compared with one; insignificant in comparison with one. [Southern U. S.]-That 's persimmons or all persimmons! that's fine! [Southern U. S.] - The longest pole knocks the persimmon, succe falls to him who has the most advantages. [Southern persio (pėr'si-ō), n. A powder used in dyeing: same as cudbear. U. S.]