ˈjumble-bead
[Alteration of jumby-bead (see jumby b), prob. after mumble.]
The parti-coloured seed of the jequirity.
| 1855 R. G. Mayne Expos. Lex. Med. Sci. (1860) 554/2 Jumble beads, an irreverent name for the seeds of the Abrus precatorius, from the purpose they are applied to in forming rosaries. 1887 [see jequirity]. 1951 A. Nelson Medical Bot. xxiii. 456 The seeds [of Abrus precatorius] may be referred to as Abrus, Jequirity, Jumble beads or Prayer beads, and are known to contain two poisonous principles. |