champac
(ˈtʃæmpæk, ˈtʃʌmpʌk)
Also champa, champacka, tsjambac, champak, chumpak, -puc.
[a. Hind. champak, Bengali champaka, Skr. chāmpākā, and allied Indian vernacular forms.]
A species of Magnolia (Michelia Champaca), a beautiful Indian tree, bearing orange-coloured highly fragrant flowers; held in high esteem by the natives of India.
| c 1770 Sir W. Jones Bot. Observ. Wks. 1807 V. 129 The strong aromatick scent of the gold-coloured Champac is thought offensive to the bees, who are never seen on its blossoms. 1772–84 Cook Voy. (1790) I. 283 The champacka smells somewhat like a jonquil. 1815 Moore Lalla R. (1862) 25 Blest again to hold In her full lap the champac's leaves of gold. 1819 Shelley Lines to Ind. Air, The Champak odours fail. 1839 Penny Cycl. XIV. 290/2 In Bengal the air is often perfumed with the fragrance of the Tsjambac. 1879 E. Arnold Lt. Asia ii. (1881) 24 Pleasant at seed-time, when the champaks bud. 1905 L. Hope Indian Love 72 'Tis the scent of the champa's breath. 1908 Westm. Gaz. 23 Mar. 5/1 The chief perfumes are champa, cajuput oil, [etc]. |