bush

bush

bush¹ [boosh]

n.

[ME < OE busc (in place names) < WGmc * busk-; ME busk, bosk < ML boscus < Frank busk, of same WGmc orig.]

1. a woody plant having many stems branching out low instead of one main stem or trunk; shrub

2. a thicket of shrubs

3. anything resembling a bush; esp.,

a) a thickly furred tail

b) Slang a beard

☆ 4. [< Colonial Du bosch, bush] shrubby woodland or uncleared country, esp. wild or unsettled frontier country: usually with the

5.

a) a branch of ivy as a symbol for wine, formerly used on tavern signboards

b) Obs. a tavern

vi.

to grow thickly or spread out like a bush

vt.

to decorate, cover, or surround with bushes

adj.

☆ [see BUSH LEAGUE] Slang unprofessional, cheap, petty, etc.

unprofessional, cheap, petty, etc.

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beat around the bush

to talk around a subject without getting to the point

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☆ the bushes

Slang rural or small-town districts

bush² [boosh]

Brit.

n.

[MDu busse, box < ML buxis: see BOX¹]

BUSHING

vt.

to fit with a bushing