Catberry

/ˈkætˌbɛri/ noun

Definition

A small berry-producing plant or shrub, possibly a regional name for certain wild berries or a plant in the cat-related botanical nomenclature.

Etymology

From 'cat' + 'berry,' a straightforward compound; the 'cat-' prefix in botanical names sometimes referred to wild or feline-related characteristics. The specific plant identity varies by region, reflecting local folk nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Many berries got animal names from folklore—people observed which animals ate them most and named them accordingly, so a 'catberry' was probably one cats liked to sniff around or knock off bushes.

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