Savin
/ˈseɪ.vɪn/noun
An evergreen shrub or small tree, Juniperus sabina, with pungent foliage and poisonous berries.
Did you know?Savin oil was historically used in folk medicine to induce menstruation or abortion, but it is highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
sabīna
“The Sabine plant; feminine form of Sabīnus, “Sabine,” referring to the ancient Sabine people of central Italy.”
Late Latin
Latin
herba sabīna
““Sabine herb,” a medicinal plant identified with juniper.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
savin
“Savin or juniper, borrowed from Latin sabīna.”
14th Century
Middle English
savin
“The evergreen shrub Juniperus sabina, especially in herbal or medicinal contexts.”
Modern English
English
savin
“A poisonous evergreen shrub or small tree of the cypress family.”