handkerchief tree

noun — 2 senses

handkerchief tree

noun

UK /ˌhæŋkət͡ʃɪf ˈtɹiː/ · US /ˌhæŋkəɹt͡ʃəf ˈtɹi/

Etymology From handkerchief + tree.

1

The dove tree (Davidia involucrata), which has large white bracts said to look like handkerchiefs.

2

Archaic An arrangement of handkerchiefs in the form of a tree, specifically on a stand as a display for sale.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.