Dictionary entry

Supple-jack

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Sup″ple–jack′ (?), n.(Bot.) (a) A climbing shrub (Berchemia volubilus) of the Southern United States, having a tough and pliable stem. (b) A somewhat similar tropical American plant (Paullinia Curassavica); also, a walking stick made from its stem.

He was in form and spirit like a supple-jack,... yielding, but tough; though he bent, he never broke. W. Irving.

☞ This name is given to various plants of similar habit in different British colonies.