| henna | 1. <botany> A thorny tree or shrub of the genus Lawsonia (L. Alba). The fragrant white blossoms are used by the Buddhists in religious ceremonies. The powdered leaves furnish a red colouring matter used in the East to stain the hails and fingers, the manes of horses, etc. 2. The leaves of the henna plant, or a preparation or dyestuff made from them. Origin: Ar. Hinna alcanna (Lawsonia inermis or alba). Cf. Alcanna, Alkanet, Orchanet. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|