DCHP-1 Online

Canadian balsam Hist.

• 1 the clear resin of the balsam fir, much used as a cement in optical work, formerly used widely as a balm on cuts and minor wounds, and once popular as a chewing gum.

  See also: Canada balsam (def. 1)  

  • 1793  (1801)  The salve I applied was made of the Canadian balsam, wax, and tallow dropped from a burning candle into water.
  • 1923  The inventory included ... three barrels supposed to contain apples, but in reality bottles of Canadian Balsam.

• 2 a slender evergreen, Abies balsamea, found in Canada from northeastern Alberta eastward, the source of Canada balsam (def. 1).

  See also: Canada balsam (def. 2)  

  • 1793  (1801)  They consisted of low walls, with a ridge-pole, covered with the branches of the Canadian balsam tree.
  • 1824  (1955)  [There were] low round copsis of great extent of Canadian balsom. . . .