sorb-apple
[ad. G. sorbapfel (older LG. and Flem. sorbappel): see sorb n.1]
The fruit of the service-tree, or the tree itself.
| 1548 [see sorb n.1 3]. 1562 Turner Herbal ii. 143 The sorb appel is very pleasant to be eaten vntill it be rotten. 1578 Lyte Dodoens 727 Sorbe Apples or Service beries are much lyke to Medlers. 1611 Cotgr., Corme, the Seruice, or Sorb-apple. 1666 J. Davies tr. Rochefort's Caribby Isles 35 It tastes like a Sorb-apple. 1725 Fam. Dict. s.v. Service, There are also two sorts of Sorb-Apples. 1796 H. Hunter St.-Pierre's Stud. Nat. (1799) I. 243 The scarlet clusters of the sorb-apple. 1796 C. Marshall Gardening xvii. (1813) 287 Service, (sweet) or sorb apple is rarely cultivated for fruit. |
| attrib. 1578 Lyte Dodoens 727 The tree wherupon this fruite groweth is called..in Englishe, Sorbe Apple tree. 1611 Cotgr., Cormier, the Seruice tree, Sorb-apple tree. |