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Judas tree

noun

Definition of Judas tree

: any of a genus (Cercis) of leguminous trees and shrubs (such as a redbud) often cultivated for their showy flowers especially : a Eurasian tree or shrub (C. siliquastrum) with purplish pink flowers

First Known Use of Judas tree

1668, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Judas tree

from the belief that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this kind

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The first known use of Judas tree was in 1668

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