ˈhälē, -li noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English holegn, holen; akin to Old High German hulis holly, Old Norse hulfr, Middle Irish cuilenn
1.
a. : a tree or shrub of the genus Ilex (as English holly or American holly) — see chinese holly , inkberry 1; compare mat é
b. : the foliage or branches of this tree or shrub used for especially Christmas decoration
2. : a tree whose leaves resemble those of holly (as Prunus ilicifolia and Photinia arbutifolia of California, members of the genus Olearia of New Zealand, or the holm oak)
3. : sea holly