ˈJudas-tree
[From a popular notion that Judas hanged himself on a tree of this kind. So Ger. Judasbaum; F. arbre de Judée.]
1. The common name of Cercis Siliquastrum, a leguminous tree of Southern Europe and parts of Asia, with abundant purple flowers which appear in spring before the leaves. Hence extended to other trees of the same genus.
| 1668 Wilkins Real Char. ii. iv. §7. 118 Bearing elegant purple blossoms, and a thin Pod. 3. Judas tree. 1760 J. Lee Introd. Bot. App. 316 Judas-tree, Cercis. 1861 E. A. Beaufort Egypt. Sepul. I. vii. 136 The Judas-tree, with its tall spikes of bright and lovely lilac flowers on the leafless branches. 1884 Miller Plant-n., Judas-tree, Cercis Siliquastrum. ―, American, Cercis canadensis. ―, Californian, Cercis occidentalis. 1886 Academy 16 Oct. 262/1 Threading our way..through lanes gay with the blossoms of the judas-tree. |
2. A local name for the Elder (Sambucus nigra); see under Jew's-ear. (Britten & Holl. Plant-n.)