n. [ Ar. hinnā alcanna (Lawsonia inermis syn. Lawsonia alba). Cf. Alcanna, Alkanet, Orchanet. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. (Bot.) A thorny tree or shrub of the genus Lawsonia (Lawsonia alba). The fragrant white blossoms are used by the Buddhists in religious ceremonies. The powdered leaves furnish a red coloring matter used in the East to stain the nails and fingers, the manes of horses, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Com.) The leaves of the henna plant, or a preparation or dyestuff made from them. [ 1913 Webster ] |