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Webster 1913 Edition

Henbane

Hen′baneˊ

,
Noun.
[
Hen
+
bane
.]
(Bot.)
A plant of the genus
Hyoscyamus
(
Hyoscyamus niger
). All parts of the plant are poisonous, and the leaves are used for the same purposes as belladonna. It is poisonous to domestic fowls; whence the name. Called also,
stinking nightshade
, from the fetid odor of the plant. See
Hyoscyamus
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Henbane

HEN'BANE

,
Noun.
[hen and bane.] A plant, the Hyoscyamus, of several species. The roots, leaves and seeds are poisonous.

Definition 2024

henbane

henbane

English

henbane

Noun

henbane ‎(plural henbanes)

  1. A poisonous plant, Hyoscyamus niger, used sometimes as a drug that causes at least hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, and flushed skin.
  2. Any other plant of the genus Hyoscyamus.

Translations

Etymology

From Middle English henbane, hennebane ( > French hanebane), equivalent to hen +‎ bane. Cognate with Danish hønsebane, Swedish hönsbane. Compare also Old English hennebelle ‎(“henbane”, literally “hen-bell”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈhɛnbeɪn/

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