n. 1 (in full Indian hemp) a herbaceous plant, Cannabis sativa, native to Asia. 2 its fibre extracted from the stem and used to make rope and stout fabrics. 3 any of several narcotic drugs made from the hemp plant (cf. CANNABIS, MARIJUANA). 4 any of several other plants yielding fibre, including Manila hemp and sunn hemp. hemp agrimony a composite plant, Eupatorium cannabinum, with pale-purple flowers and hairy leaves. hemp-nettle any of various nettle-like plants of the genus Galeopsis.
[ OE henep, hnep f. Gmc, rel. to Gk kannabis ]