a. Now rare. Also 7 viminious. [f. L. vīmine-us (f. vīmin-, vīmen: see prec.) + -OUS.]
1. Made of pliable twigs or wickerwork.
1657. Tomlinson, Renou’s Disp., 189. Chirurgions have invented an Æstuary of a vimineous texture like a bird-cage.
1664. Evelyn, Sylva, 37. The Timber is incomparable…, because it is exceedingly light, for Vine, and Hop-props, and divers viminious works.
1717. Prior, Alma, III. 172. As in a Hive’s vimineous Dome, Ten thousand Bees enjoy their Home.
1736. H. Brooke, Univ. Beauty, VI. 309. Here lightly some vimineous burdens bear.
2. Bot. Producing long, flexible shoots or twigs.
1664. Evelyn, Sylva, 3. Willows, and all the Vimineous kinds, which are raised of Sets only.
1694. Westmacott, Script. Herb., 154. This vimineous Tree [poplar] is properly but of two kinds. Ibid., 222. This [the willow] is one of the Vimineous family.
1731. P. Miller, Gard. Dict., s.v. Vegetation, In some, it [the principle of life] is seated both in the Roots, and all over the Trunk and Branches; as, in the Vimineous or Willow Kinds.
1857. A. Gray, First Less. Bot., 236. Vimineous, producing slender twigs, such as those used for wicker-work.
1866. Treas. Bot., 1216/2.
