Obs. Also cypyr, -ur, cipre, -er. [ad. L. cyprus, a. Gr. κύπρος (from Κύπρος Cyprus), the henna plant. The L. form also occurs.]
1. The henna-shrub (Lawsonia alba or inermis), with fragrant white flowers, found in the Levant.
1382. Wyclif, Song Sol. i. 13. The clustre of cipre tree [1611 i. 14 Camphire].
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVII. xxv. (1495), 618. The Cypre is a tree in Egypte lyke to Oliue in leues.
1558. Warde, trans. Alexis’ Secr., II. 50 b. Take … Damaske roses,… Bengewyn, Cypre alexandrine.
[1748. Phil. Trans., XLV. 566. The Cyprus grows generally as a Shrub of ten or fifteen Feet in Height, and has very much the Appearance of Privet.]
¶ 2. Used by confusion for CYPRESS1.
a. 1440. Sir Eglam., 277. Cypur treys were growyn owte.
14[?]. Voc., in Wr.-Wülcker, 716/41. Hec cipressus, a cypyrtre.
1583. Stanyhurst, Æneis, II. (Arb.), 66. A ciper by the churche seat abydeth.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., 63. Cypre-trees.
