[a. Sp. and Pg. batata, from a native American language; according to Peter Martyr and Navagerio, 1526, the native name in Haiti. (Hence, transferred to a different plant, potato.)]
A plant (Batatas edulis, N.O. Convolvulaceæ) having an edible tuberous root, called also Spanish or Sweet Potato, a native of the West Indies, whence it was introduced into Spain early in the 16th c.
1577. Frampton, Joyf. Newes, 104. The Batatas … a common frute in those countries … a victaill of much substaunce.
1613. Purchas, Pilgr., V. xiv. 516. The islands of Moratay … where Battata-roots is their bread.
1832. Veg. Subst. Food, 126. The plant carried to Ireland by Captain Hawkins, in 1565, was the Spanish batata, or sweet potato.
1866. Livingstone, Jrnl., I. iii. 73. Batatas and maize were often planted.
