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Webster 1913 Edition


Frankincense

Frank′in-cense

,
Noun.
[OF.
franc
free, pure +
encens
incense.]
A fragrant, aromatic resin, or gum resin, burned as an incense in religious rites or for medicinal fumigation. The best kinds now come from East Indian trees, of the genus
Boswellia
; a commoner sort, from the Norway spruce (
Abies excelsa
) and other coniferous trees. The frankincense of the ancient Jews is still unidentified.

Webster 1828 Edition


Frankincense

FRANKIN'CENSE

,
Noun.
[frank and incense.] A dry resinous substance in pieces or drops, of a pale yellowish white color, of a bitterish acrid taste, and very inflammable; used as a perfume.