osier

views updated Jun 08 2018

o·sier / ˈōzhər/ • n. 1. a small Eurasian willow (Salix viminalis) that grows mostly in wet habitats and is a major source of the long flexible shoots (withies) used in basketwork. ∎  a shoot of a willow. ∎ dated any willow tree. 2. n. any of several North American dogwoods.

osier

views updated May 29 2018

osier XIV. — (O)F. osier, m. form corr. to fem. (dial.) osière :— medL. ausēria, of uncert. orig.

osier

views updated May 17 2018

osier Any of various willows, especially Salix viminalis and S. purpurea, the flexible branches and stems of which are used for wickerwork.