gambier
(ˈgæmbɪə(r))
Also gambeer, gambir.
[Malay gambī̆r, the plant from which the substance is obtained, the decoction itself being called getah gambīr, gum of gambier.]
An astringent extract prepared from an Eastern plant (Uncaria Gambir), and largely used for tanning and other purposes.
| 1830 Lindley Nat. Syst. Bot. 205 A lightish brown, bitter, and powerfully astringent extract, called Gambeer, is obtained at Malacca by boiling the leaves of Nauclea Gambeer. 1853 C. Morfit Tanning, etc. 68 Gambir,—This is an astringent extract, imported from the East Indies under the name of terra japonica. 1883 Rajah Brooke in Pall Mall G. 19 Nov. 2/1 Our crops of pepper and gambir are steadily increasing. 1887 L. Oliphant Episodes 163 Chinamen engaged in the cultivation of gambier. |