Etymology 1
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form. Equivalent to tree + -en.
Noun
treen
- (obsolete) plural of tree
1726, Torquato Tasso, translated by Edward Fairfax, Godfrey of Bulloigne, or the Recoverie of Jerusalem. Done into English heroicall verse from the Italian of Tasso by E. Fairefax, page 195:Erminia's Steed (this while) his Miſtreſs bore / Thro' Foreſts thick among the ſhady Treen,
Etymology 2
From Middle English treen, from Old English triewen, from Proto-Germanic *triwīnaz, equivalent to tree + -en. See trencher, truncher.
Adjective
treen (comparative more treen, superlative most treen)
- (Now chiefly dialectal) Pertaining to or derived from trees; wooden; made of wood.
1670 October 15, John Evelyn, chapter XVI, in Sylva, or a Discourse of Forest-Trees and the Propagation of Timber in His Majesties Dominions, 2nd edition, Royal Society, page 75:To ſhew our Reader yet, that theſe are no novel Experiments, we are to know, that a large Tract of the World almoſt altogether ſubſiſt on theſe Treen Liquors; Eſpecially that of the Date,
Noun
treen (countable and uncountable, plural treens)
- Household articles made of wood.
1674, William Camden, “Wise Speeches”, in Remains Concerning Britain: Their Languages, Names, Surnames, Allusions, Anagramms, Armories, Moneys, Impresses, Apparel, Artillerie, Wise Speeches, Proverbs, Poesies, Epitaphs, Charles Hopper, page 354:Theſe homely cups and diſhes pay truly for that they contain: I had rather drink out of treene, and pay gold and ſilver, than drink out of gold and ſilver, and make wooden payment.
1949, Edward Pinto, Treen; or, Small woodware throughout the ages, London: Batsford, page 1:References to treen are numerous in old English literature, particularly to chalices, cups, bowls, platters, and "services of treen".
- (Now chiefly dialectal, Scotland) A large wooden platter.