Palm tree

(Hebrews tamar), the date-palm characteristic of Palestine. It is described as "flourishing" (Psalm 92:12), tall (Cant. 7:7), "upright" (Jeremiah 10:5). Its branches are a symbol of victory (Revelation 7:9). "Rising with slender stem 40 or 50, at times even 80, feet aloft, its only branches, the feathery, snow-like, pale-green fronds from 6 to 12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it is seen." The whole land of Palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia, i.e., "the land of palms." Tadmor in the desert was called by the Greeks and Romans Palmyra, i.e., "the city of palms." The finest specimens of this tree grew at Jericho (Deuteronomy 34:3) and Engedi and along the banks of the Jordan. Branches of the palm tree were carried at the feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:40). At our Lord's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem the crowds took palm branches, and went forth to meet him, crying, "Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:8; John 12:13). (see DATE.)

Palm trees, The city of

The name given to Jericho (q.v.), Deuteronomy 34:3; Judges 1:16; 3:13.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) The inner and somewhat concave part of the hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist.

2. (n.) A lineal measure equal either to the breadth of the hand or to its length from the wrist to the ends of the fingers; a hand; -- used in measuring a horse's height.

3. (n.) A metallic disk, attached to a strap, and worn the palm of the hand, -- used to push the needle through the canvas, in sewing sails, etc.

4. (n.) The broad flattened part of an antler, as of a full-grown fallow deer; -- so called as resembling the palm of the hand with its protruding fingers.

5. (n.) The flat inner face of an anchor fluke.

6. (n.) Any endogenous tree of the order Palmae or Palmaceae; a palm tree.

7. (n.) A branch or leaf of the palm, anciently borne or worn as a symbol of victory or rejoicing.

8. (n.) Any symbol or token of superiority, success, or triumph; also, victory; triumph; supremacy.

9. (v. t.) To handle.

10. (v. t.) To manipulate with, or conceal in, the palm of the hand; to juggle.

11. (v. t.) To impose by fraud, as by sleight of hand; to put by unfair means; -- usually with off.