cassia

Cassia Cas"sia (k[a^]sh"[.a]), n. [L. cassia and casia, Gr. kassi`a and kasi`a; of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. qets[=i][=a]h, fr. q[=a]tsa' to cut off, to peel off.] 1. (Bot.) A genus of leguminous plants (herbs, shrubs, or trees) of many species, most of which have purgative qualities. The leaves of several species furnish the senna used in medicine. [1913 Webster]

2. The bark of several species of {Cinnamomum} grown in China, etc.; Chinese cinnamon. It is imported as {cassia}, but commonly sold as cinnamon, from which it differs more or less in strength and flavor, and the amount of outer bark attached. [1913 Webster]

Note: The medicinal ``cassia'' (Cassia pulp) is the laxative pulp of the pods of a leguminous tree ({Cassia fistula} or Pudding-pipe tree), native in the East Indies but naturalized in various tropical countries. [1913 Webster]

{Cassia bark}, the bark of {Cinnamomum cassia}, etc. The coarser kinds are called {Cassia lignea}, and are often used to adulterate true cinnamon.

{Cassia buds}, the dried flower buds of several species of cinnamon ({Cinnamomum cassia}, atc..).

{Cassia oil}, oil extracted from cassia bark and cassia buds; -- called also {oil of cinnamon}. [1913 Webster]