(definition) by Webster 1913 Wed Dec 22 1999 at 3:19:40

Spike"nard (?), n.[For spiked nard; cf. G. spieknarde, NL. spica nardi. See Spike an ear, and Nard.]

1. Bot.

An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region. From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India.

2.

A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi.

 

© Webster 1913.

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