n. (Bot.) A very astringent shrub (Spiraea tomentosa), common in pastures. The Potentilla fruticosa is also called by this name. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A book with cardboard or cloth or leather covers; a hardcover book. Compare paperback. Syn. -- hardcover. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
adj. Having rigid front and back covers, usually boards covered with paper, cloth, or leather; -- of books. Contrasted with softcover and paperback. [ WordNet 1.5 ]