Hēm'lock, n.

n. [O. Eng. hemlocke, humlocke, humeloc, Scot. humlock, humloik, A-S. hemleic, hemlyc, hymlice. Cf. CHARLOCK.] (Bot.) (a.) An umbelliferous plant of the genus Conium, the most common species of which is C. maculatum. It has active properties which frequently render it poisonous, but it is employed in medicine for its narcotic qualities. (b.) An evergreen tree common in North America (Abies Canadensis); hemlock spruce.

Loudon.

The potion of hemlock administered to Socrates and others is thought to have been a decoction of Cicuta virosa, or water-hemlock.