bistort
(ˈbɪstɔːt)
[(a. F. bistorte), ad. L. bistorta, f. bis twice + torta twisted, fem. pa. pple.]
1. A species of Polygonum (P. bistorta), named from the twisted form of its large root, bearing a cylindrical spike of small flesh-coloured flowers; also called Snakeweed. See adderwort.
| 1578 Lyte Dodoens 21 There be two sortes of Bistorte..the Great Bistorte [and] the Small Bistorte. 1712 tr. Pomet's Hist. Drugs I. 44 Bistort is a Plant that has a Root roll'd upon itself. 1872 H. Macmillan True Vine v. 180 The common bistort..is supposed to have bloomed on Calvary, and to have been sprinkled with the drops of blood that fell from Christ's side. Hence the pink stains on its white flower-heads, and the dark blotches on its green leaves. |
2. Surgery. = bistoury.
| 1655 Culpepper Riverius vi. vii. 143 Open the imposthume with a crooked incision Knife called a Bistort. |