henbane

English
henbane

Etymology

From Middle English henbane, hennebane ( > French hanebane), equivalent to hen +‎ bane. Cognate with Danish hønsebane, Swedish hönsbane. Compare also Old English hennebelle (“henbane”, literally “hen-bell”).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈhɛnbeɪn/

Noun

henbane (countable and uncountable, plural henbanes)

  1. A poisonous plant, Hyoscyamus niger, used sometimes as a drug that causes at least hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, and flushed skin.
    Synonyms: black henbane, hog's bane, stinking nightshade
    • 1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 157:
      Deadly nightshade, henbane, hellebore and mandrakes were of evil reputation[.]
  2. Any other plant of the genus Hyoscyamus.

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Further reading
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