birch
/bɜrtʃ/
noun
- A tree with thin, peeling bark (often white or silver) and small leaves, common in northern regions.
- Birch wood is often used for furniture because it is strong and light.
- We planted a row of birches along the driveway.
- The birch in our backyard turns golden in autumn.
- The hard, pale wood of the birch tree, used for making furniture, flooring, and other items.
- She chose birch flooring for its durability and light color.
- Birch burns well in a fireplace and gives off a pleasant smell.
- The cabinet is made of solid birch.
- A bundle of birch twigs used for flogging (historically as a punishment).
- The prisoner was sentenced to receive the birch.
- The museum displayed a birch used in 19th-century classrooms.
- In old schools, a birch was sometimes used to discipline students.
verb
- To beat or flog with a birch rod or bundle of twigs.
- In the past, teachers would birch disobedient pupils.
- He was birched for stealing bread from the market.
- The judge ordered the thief to be birched as punishment.