Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Frankincense

a fragrant, aromatic resin, or gum resin, burned as an incense in religious rites or for medicinal fumigation. The best kinds now come from East indian trees, of the genus Boswellia; a commoner sort, from the Norway spruce (abies excelsa) and other coniferous trees. The frankincense of the ancient jews is still unidentified.

Origin: OF. Franc free, pure _ encens incense.