/wich" hay'zeuhl/
1. a shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, of eastern North America, having toothed, egg-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers. Cf. witch hazel family .
2. a liquid extraction from the leaves or bark of this plant mixed with water and alcohol, used externally as a liniment for inflammations and bruises and as an astringent.
[ 1535-45; witch, var. of wych (see WYCH ELM) ]