henbane
noun/ˈhɛnbeɪn/
Etymology From Middle English henbane, hennebane ( > French hanebane), equivalent to hen + bane. Cognate with Danish hønsebane, Swedish hönsbane. Compare also Old English hennebelle (“henbane”, literally “hen-bell”).
1
A poisonous plant, Hyoscyamus niger, used sometimes as a drug that causes at least hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, and flushed skin.
- Deadly nightshade, henbane, hellebore and mandrakes were of evil reputation[.]1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 157:
- Henbane acts as an anaphrodisiac.1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 114:
1 more example
- After studying the book for several minutes, he began to assemble a weird collection of plants and herbs on the floor in front of him. Hemlock and foxglove, ivy and deadnettle, henbane and marigold[.]1970, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 12:
2
Any other plant of the genus Hyoscyamus.
- Synonyms
- hyoscyamus
- Derived terms
- black henbane, Egyptian henbane, golden henbane, white henbane, yellow henbane