/hol"ee/ , n. , pl. hollies .
1. any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Ilex, as I. opaca (American holly) , the state tree of Delaware, or I. aquifolium (English holly) , having glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries.
2. the foliage and berries, used for decoration, esp. during the Christmas season.
[ bef. 1150; ME holi ( e ), holyn, OE hole ( g ) n; c. Welsh celyn, Ir cuillean; akin to D, G hulst, F houx ( hulis ) ]