pituri

alternative pitcheri · alternative pitchery · alternative pitchuri · alternative pitchurie · alternative pitjuri

1. uncountableThe prepared leaves of an Australian shrub, Duboisia hopwoodii, chewed as a stimulant by Aboriginal Australians; also the shrub itself.First known use 19th c.

   Winston rolled his head and eyes from side to side, like a man ‘on’ pitjuri.

   1987, Bruce Chatwin, The Songlines, Vintage, published 1998, page 258

   2 more examples

   The Australians, although unacquainted with true spirituous liquors, knew how to obtain a similar effect by chewing the twigs of the pituri bush.

   1931, Julius Lippert, translated by George Peter Murdock, The Evolution of Culture, London: George Allen and Unwin, page 194

   These sticks occasionally [...] suggest trade in such articles as ochres, pituri or weapons.

   1937, Ion L. Idriess, Over the Range, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, published 1947, page 105

   Synonyms: mingkulpa, native tobacco