[(a. F. bistorte), ad. L. bistorta, f. bis twice + torta twisted, fem. pa. pple.]
1. A species of Polygonum (P. bistorta), named from the twisted form of its large root, bearing a cylindrical spike of small flesh-colored flowers; also called Snakeweed. See ADDERWORT.
1578. Lyte, Dodoens, 21. There be two sortes of Bistorte … the Great Bistorte [and] the Small Bistorte.
1712. trans. Pomet’s Hist. Drugs, I. 44. Bistort is a Plant that has a Root roll’d upon itself.
1872. H. Macmillan, True Vine, v. 180. The common bistort … is supposed to have bloomed on Calvary, and to have been sprinkled with the drops of blood that fell from Christ’s side. Hence the pink stains on its white flower-heads, and the dark blotches on its green leaves.
2. Surgery. = BISTOURY.
1655. Culpepper, Riverius, VI. vii. 143. Open the imposthume with a crooked incision Knife called a Bistort.
