Hypertext Webster Gateway: "gambier"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Catechu \Cat"e*chu\, n. [See {Cashoo}.] (Chem.)
A dry, brown, astringent extract, obtained by decoction and
evaporation from the {Acacia catechu}, and several other
plants growing in India. It contains a large portion of
tannin or tannic acid, and is used in medicine and in the
arts. It is also known by the names {terra japonica},
{cutch}, {gambier}, etc. --Ure. --Dunglison.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Gambier \Gam"bier\, n. [Malayan.]
(a) The inspissated juice of a plant ({Uncaria Gambir})
growing in Malacca. It is a powerful astringent, and,
under the name of {Terra Japonica}, is used for chewing
with the Areca nut, and is exported for tanning and
dyeing.
(b) Catechu. [Written also {gambeer} and {gambir}.]
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