ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun
( plural hercules'-clubs )
Usage: usually capitalized
1. : any of several prickly shrubs or trees:
a. : an ornamental tree ( Zanthoxylum clava-herculis ) of the southeastern United States and the West Indies
b. : either of two shrubs of the Bahamas ( Zanthoxylum coreaceum or Caesalpinia bahamensis )
2. : a gourd ( Lagenaria vulgaris ) with fruit sometimes exceeding five feet in length
3. : a small prickly tree ( Aralia spinosa ) of eastern U.S. — called also angelica tree, devil's-walking-stick