from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Litchi \Li"tchi`\ (l[=e]"ch[=e]`), n. (Bot.)
The fruit of a tree native to China ({Nephelium Litchi}). It
is nutlike, having a rough but tender shell, containing an
aromatic pulp, and a single large seed. In the dried fruit
which is exported the pulp somewhat resembles a raisin in
color and form. [Written also {lichi}, and {lychee}.]
[1913 Webster]
2. (Bot.) A genus of East Indian sapindaceous trees
consisting of a single species ({Litchi Chinensis}, syn.
{Nephelium Litchi}) which bears the litchi nut.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]