birch Definition

birch
noun birches

1. A slender deciduous tree or shrub of N temperate and Arctic regions, with smooth silvery-white bark that often peels off in long papery strips.
2. The strong fine-textured wood of this tree, valued for furniture-making, and used to make plywood, charcoal, etc.

Form: birchwood (also)
3a. A birch rod, or a bundle of birch branches, formerly used to inflict physical punishment;

Form: the birch
3b. The punishment of being beaten or whipped with the birch.

Form: the birch

adj

1. Made of birch wood.

verb

birched, birching
1. To flog someone with a birch; to whip them.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon berc or beorc.