Tobacco

n. [Sp. tabaco, It. tabacco, Fr. tabac, from the Indian tabaco, the tube or pipe in which the Indians or Caribbees smoked the plant, transferred by the Spaniards to the herb itself. Some derive the word from Tabaco, a province of Yucatan, where it was said to be first found by the Spaniards; others from the island of Tobago, one of the Caribbees. But this is very doubtful.]

1. A plant, a native of America, of the genus Nicotiana, much used for smoking and chewing, and in snuff. As a medicine, it is narcotic, emetic, and cathartic. Tobacco has a strong, peculiar smell, and an acrid taste.
2. The leaves of the plant prepared for smoking, chewing, &c., by being dried, and manufactured in various ways.