linden
nounEtymology From Middle English linden, from Old English linden (“linden”, adjective), from Proto-Germanic *lindīnaz, from Proto-Germanic *lindō (“linden tree”), equivalent to lind + -en. Cognate with Middle Low German linden (“linden”, adjective), German Low German Linnenboom (“linden-tree”), West Frisian linenbeam (“linden-tree”), German linden (“linden”, adjective). The English noun developed from the adjective.
1
Usually Any of various deciduous trees of the genus Tilia, having heart-shaped leaves.
- The linden or lime tree is the favourite haunt of the Elves and cognate beings; and it is not safe to be near it after sunset.1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume I, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 158:
2
Usually The soft wood of such trees.