from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mahogany \Ma*hog"a*ny\, Mahogany tree \Ma*hog"a*ny tree`\, n.
[From the South American name.]
1. (Bot.) A large tree of the genus {Swietenia} ({Swietenia
Mahogoni}), found in tropical America.
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Note: Several other trees, with wood more or less like
mahogany, are called by this name; as, African mahogany
({Khaya Senegalensis}), Australian mahogany
({Eucalyptus marginatus}), Bastard mahogany ({Batonia
apetala} of the West Indies), Indian mahogany ({Cedrela
Toona} of Bengal, and trees of the genera {Soymida} and
{Chukrassia}), Madeira mahogany ({Persea Indica}),
Mountain mahogany, the black or cherry birch ({Betula
lenta}), also the several species of {Cercocarpus} of
California and the Rocky Mountains.
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2. The wood of the {Swietenia Mahogoni}. It is of a reddish
brown color, beautifully veined, very hard, and
susceptible of a fine polish. It is used in the
manufacture of furniture.
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3. A table made of mahogany wood. [Colloq.]
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{To be under the mahogany}, to be so drunk as to have fallen
under the table. [Eng.]
{To put one's legs under some one's mahogany}, to dine with
him. [Slang]
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