Bot. Also 8–9 -ach. [a. F. azédarac, Sp. acedaraque, a. Pers. āzād dirakht ‘free (or noble) tree.’ The tree and name were probably introduced into Spain and Sicily by the Arabs.]
1. A lofty tree (Melia Azedarach), with bipinnate leaves and large bunches of fragrant lilac-colored flowers, a native of the East Indies, but now common in Spain, Southern France, and South America. Also known as Bead-tree, Pride of India, False Sycamore, and Holy-tree.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Azedarach … the Bead-tree.
1852. Th. Ross, Humboldt’s Trav., II. xvi. 3. Paths bordered with azedaracs.
1878. Masque of Poets, 30. Where clear-green chrysoberyl glows Beside azedarac in rows.
2. Pharm. The bark of the root of this tree used in medicine.
1853. in Mayne.
