any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
source: WordNet 3.0
a textile machine having a system of revolving spikes for opening and cleaning raw textile fibers
source: WordNet 3.0
Any tree or shrub of the genus Salix, including many species, most of which are characterized often used as an emblem of sorrow, desolation, or desertion. "A wreath of willow to show my forsaken plight." Sir W. Scott. Hence, a lover forsaken by, or having lost, the person beloved, is said to wear the willow.
source: Webster 1913
verb
To open and cleanse, as cotton, flax, or wool, by means of a willow. See Willow, n., 2.
