a. and sb.; improp. ailanthine. [f. AILANT-US + -INE1.] A. adj. Of or belonging to the Ailanto, or the silk-worm that feeds on it. B. sb. Silk from the Bombyx Cynthia or Ailanto Silk-worm.
1861. All Y. Round, 9 Feb., 423. Ailanthine, or the silk of the bombyx which feeds on the leaves of the Ailantis glandulosus. Ibid. (1863), 11 July, 467/1. Ailanthine sericulture would remain in great measure unproductive.
