| frankincense | 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. Origin: OF. Franc free, pure + encens incense. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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