any of several fan palms; esp., a cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) of the SE U.S.
See palmetto in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(păl-mĕtˈō)
nounpl.pal·met·tos or pal·met·toes
Any of several small, mostly tropical palms having fan-shaped leaves, especially one of the genus Sabal, such as S. palmetto of the southeast United States. Also called sabal.
Leaf strips of any of these plants, used in weaving.