n. & v.
n. 1 any tree of the genus Betula, having thin peeling bark, bearing catkins, and found predominantly in northern temperate regions. 2 (in full birchwood) the hard fine-grained pale wood of these trees. 3 NZ any of various similar trees. 4 (in full birch-rod) a bundle of birch twigs used for flogging.
v.tr. beat with a birch (in sense 4). birch-bark 1 the bark of Betula papyrifera used to make canoes. 2 US such a canoe. birchen adj.
[ OE bi(e)rce f. Gmc ]