Mahogany

ma·hog·a·ny   (mə-hŏg'ə-nē)    n.   pl. ma·hog·a·nies Any of various tropical American evergreen trees of the genus Swietenia, valued for their hard, reddish-brown wood. The wood of any of these trees, especially that of S. mahogani, used in making furniture. Any of several trees having wood resembling true mahogany. The wood of any of these trees. Any of several trees having wood resembling true mahogany. The wood of any of these trees. A moderate reddish brown. [Obsolete Spanish mahogani, perhaps of Mayan origin.]

Mahogany

Ma*hog"a*ny\, n. [From the South American name.]

1. (Bot.) A large tree of the genus Swietenia (S. Mahogoni), found in tropical America.

Note: Several other trees, with wood more or less like mahogany, are called by this name; as, African mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis), Australian mahogany (Eucalyptus marginatus), Bastard mahogany (Batonia apetala of the West Indies), Indian mahogany (Cedrela Toona of Bengal, and trees of the genera Soymida and Chukrassia), Madeira mahogany (Persea Indica), Mountain mahogany, the black or cherry birch (Betula lenta), also the several species of Cercocarpus of California and the Rocky Mountains.

2. The wood of the Swietenia Mahogoni. It is of a reddish brown color, beautifully veined, very hard, and susceptible of a fine polish. It is used in the manufacture of furniture.

3. A table made of mahogany wood. [Colloq.]

To be under the mahogany, to be so drunk as to have fallen under the table. [Eng.]

To put one's legs under some one's mahogany, to dine with him. [Slang]

mahogany