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).
Phrases and idioms:
birch-bark
1. the bark of Betula papyrifera used to make canoes.
2 US such a canoe.
Derivatives:
birchen adj.
Etymology: OE bi(e)rce f. Gmc