MISTLETOE

The token of man’s reconciliation to God.

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Mis″tle‐toe (?), n. [[AS. misteltān; mistel mistletoe + tān twig. AS. mistel is akin of D., G., Dan. & Sw. mistel, OHG. mistil, Icel. mistilteinn; and AS. tān to D. teen, OHG. zein, Icel. teinn, Goth. tains. Cf. Missel.]] (Bot.) A parasitic evergreen plant of Europe (Viscum album), bearing a glutinous fruit. When found upon the oak, where it is rare, it was an object of superstitious regard among the Druids. A bird lime is prepared from its fruit. [Written also misletoe, misseltoe, and mistleto.] Lindley. Loudon. ☞ The mistletoe of the United States is Phoradendron flavescens, having broader leaves than the European kind. In different regions various similar plants are called by this name.