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holly definition

holly (häl′ē)

noun pl. hollies -·lies

  1. any of a genus (Ilex) of small trees and shrubs of the holly family, with stiff, glossy, sharp-pointed leaves and clusters of bright-red berries
  2. the leaves and berries, used as Christmas ornaments

Etymology: ME holi, holin < OE holegn < IE base *kel-, to prick > Welsh celyn, holly, Sans kaṫambá-, arrow

adjective

designating a family (Aquifoliaceae, order Celastrales) of dicotyledonous trees and shrubs, including the dahoon and black alder
Holly definition

Holly (häl′ē)

noun

a feminine name

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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