from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mistletoe \Mis"tle*toe\, n. [AS. mistelt[=a]n; mistel mistletoe
+ t[=a]n twig. AS. mistel is akin of D., G., Dan. & Sw.
mistel, OHG. mistil, Icel. mistilteinn; and AS. t[=a]n to D.
teen, OHG. zein, Icel. teinn, Goth. tains. Cf. {Missel}.]
(Bot.)
A parasitic evergreen plant of Europe ({Viscum album}),
bearing a glutinous fruit. When found upon the oak, where it
is rare, it was an object of superstitious regard among the
Druids. A bird lime is prepared from its fruit. [Written also
{misletoe}, {misseltoe}, and {mistleto}.] --Lindley.
--Loudon.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The mistletoe of the United States is {Phoradendron
serotinum} (syn. {Phoradendron flavescens}), having
broader leaves than the European kind. In different
regions various similar plants are called by this name.
The mistletoe is used as a decoration at Christmas
time, and it is a tradition that two persons of the
oposite sex finding each other under a mistletoe sprig
should kiss.
[1913 Webster +PJC]