(n) an aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation, Syn. thus, olibanum, gum olibanum
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ OF. franc free, pure + encens incense. ] A fragrant, aromatic resin, or gum resin, burned as an incense in religious rites or for medicinal fumigation. The best kinds now come from East Indian trees, of the genus Boswellia; a commoner sort, from the Norway spruce (Abies excelsa) and other coniferous trees. The frankincense of the ancient Jews is still unidentified. [ 1913 Webster ]