mandrake

n. [ AS. mandragora, L. mandragoras, fr. Gr. mandrago`ras: cf. F. mandragore. ] 1. (Bot.) A low plant (Mandragora officinarum) of the Nightshade family, having a fleshy root, often forked, and supposed to resemble a man. It was therefore supposed to have animal life, and to cry out when pulled up. All parts of the plant are strongly narcotic. It is found in the Mediterranean region. [ 1913 Webster ]

And shrieks like mandrakes, torn out of the earth,
That living mortals, hearing them, run mad. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The mandrake of Scripture was perhaps the same plant, but proof is wanting. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) The May apple (Podophyllum peltatum). See May apple under May, and Podophyllum. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]