| Osier | n. [ F. osier: cf. Prov. F. oisis, Armor. ozil, aozil, Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, &unr_;, L. vitex, and E. withy. ] (Bot.) (a) A kind of willow (Salix viminalis) growing in wet places in Europe and Asia, and introduced into North America. It is considered the best of the willows for basket work. The name is sometimes given to any kind of willow. (b) One of the long, pliable twigs of this plant, or of other similar plants. [ 1913 Webster ] The rank of osiers by the murmuring stream. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Osier bed, or
Osier holt, a place where willows are grown for basket making. [ Eng. ] --
Red osier. (a) A kind of willow with reddish twigs (Salix rubra). (b) An American shrub (Cornus stolonifera) which has slender red branches; -- also called osier cornel. [ 1913 Webster ]
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