noun

1. a woody perennial plant with one main stem or trunk which develops many branches, usually at some height above the ground
2. a treelike bush or shrub a rose tree
3. a wooden beam, bar, pole, post, stake, etc.
4. anything resembling a tree in form, as in having a stem and branches; specif.,
   1. family tree
   2. Chem. a treelike formation of crystals
5. Archaic
   1. the cross on which Jesus was crucified
   2. a gallows

Etymology: ME < OE trēow, akin to Goth triu, ON trē < IE base *deru-, tree, prob. orig. oak tree > Gr drys, oak, (den)dron, tree

transitive verb treed, treeing tree′·ing

1. ☆ to chase up a tree
2. to place or stretch on a boot or shoe tree
3. ☆ Informal to corner, as if chased up a tree; place in a difficult position