samphire

n. [ F. l'herbe de Saint Pierre. See Saint, and Petrel. ] (Bot.) (a) A fleshy, suffrutescent, umbelliferous European plant (Crithmum maritimum). It grows among rocks and on cliffs along the seacoast, and is used for pickles. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

(b) The species of glasswort (Salicornia herbacea); -- called in England marsh samphire. (c) A seashore shrub (Borrichia arborescens) of the West Indies. [ 1913 Webster ]

Golden samphire. See under Golden. [ 1913 Webster ]