holly

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Ilex, typically with glossy prickly leaves and red berries

   A dense holly grew beside the gate and sheltered birds through the winter.

2. 2
   noun

   branches or foliage of this plant used as decoration, especially at Christmas

   They decorated the mantel with holly and ivy.

From Middle English holly or holi, a shortened form related to holin, from Old English holen or holegn ("holly"). It belongs to an old Germanic word family represented by Dutch hulst and German Hulst.

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