In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
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
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
13 June 2025
AIRPLANE
(noun) an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets; “the flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane”
Coffee Trivia
