MANDRAKES
Noun
mandrakes
plural of mandrake
Source: Wiktionary
MANDRAKE
Man"drake, n. Etym: [AS. mandragora, L. mandragoras, fr. Gr.
mandragore.]
1. (Bot.)
Definition: A low plant (Mandragora officinarum) of the Nightshade family,
having a fleshy root, often forked, and supposed to resemble a man.
It was therefore supposed to have animal life, and to cry out when
pulled up. All parts of the plant are strongly narcotic. It is found
in the Mediterranean region.
And shrieks like mandrakes, torn out of the earth, That living
mortals, hearing them, run mad. Shak.
Note: The mandrake of Scripture was perhaps the same plant, but proof
is wanting.
2. (Bot.)
Definition: The May apple (Podophyllum peltatum). See May apple under May,
and Podophyllum. [U.S.]
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition