[f. BUCK sb.1 + THORN. App. Lyte’s translation of the It and mod.L. names.]
The shrub Rhamnus catharticus; the berries of which yield sap-green and other pigments, and were formerly used as a powerful cathartic.
1578. Lyte, Dodoens, VI. xxx. 810. The Italians do call it Spino Merlo, some call it Spino ceruino … and of Valerius Cordus, Cerui spina: we may well call it in English, Bucke Thorne.
1579. Langham, Gard. Health (1633), 99. Bvckthorne, the beries do purge downwards mightily flegme and choller.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., Of buckthorn berries are made three several sorts of colours.
1859. W. Coleman, Woodlands, 122. On chalky or loamy soils, we may occasionally find the Buckthorn growing in considerable plenty.
