Hēath, n.

n. [A-S. hādh, Icel. heidhi, Dan. hede, Sw. hed, Goth. haithi, O. H. Ger. heida, N. H. Ger. & D. heide, Scot. haddyr, hadder, heather.]

1. (Bot.) A plant of the genus Erica (E. vulgaris), bearing beautiful flowers. It is a shrub which is used in Great Britain for brooms, thatch, beds for the poor, and for heating ovens. Its leaves are small, and continue green all the year;—called also ling.
2. A place overgrown with heath. Temple.
3. A desert; a cheerless tract of country.

Their stately growth, though bare, Stands on the blasted heath. Milton.