dogwood

n. [ So named from skewers (dags) being made of it. Dr. Prior. See Dag, and Dagger. ] (Bot.) The Cornus, a genus of large shrubs or small trees, the wood of which is exceedingly hard, and serviceable for many purposes. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ There are several species, one of which, Cornus mascula, called also cornelian cherry, bears a red acid berry. Cornus florida is the flowering dogwood, a small American tree with very showy blossoms. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dogwood tree. (a) The dogwood or Cornus. (b) A papilionaceous tree (Piscidia erythrina) growing in Jamaica. It has narcotic properties; -- called also Jamaica dogwood. [ 1913 Webster ]