\Bra*zil" wood`\ [OE. brasil, LL. brasile (cf. Pg. &
Sp. brasil, Pr. bresil, Pr. bresil); perh. from Sp. or Pg.
brasa a live coal (cf. {Braze}, {Brasier}); or Ar. vars plant
for dyeing red or yellow. This name was given to the wood
from its color; and it is said that King Emanuel, of
Portugal, gave the name Brazil to the country in South
America on account of its producing this wood.]
1. The wood of the oriental {C[ae]salpinia Sapan}; -- so
   called before the discovery of America.
2. A very heavy wood of a reddish color, imported from Brazil
   and other tropical countries, for cabinet-work, and for
   dyeing. The best is the heartwood of {C[ae]salpinia
   echinata}, a leguminous tree; but other trees also yield
   it. An inferior sort comes from Jamaica, the timber of {C.
   Braziliensis} and {C. crista}. This is often distinguished
   as Braziletto, but the better kind is also frequently so
   named.