Po*ta"to (?), n.; pl. Potatoes (#). [Sp. patata potato, batata sweet
potato, from the native American name (probably batata) in Hayti.]
(Bot.) (a) A plant (Solanum tuberosum) of the Nightshade family, and
its esculent farinaceous tuber, of which there are numerous varieties
used for food. It is native of South America, but a form of the species
is found native as far north as New Mexico. (b) The sweet potato (see
below).
Potato beetle, Potato bug. (Zoˆl.) (a) A beetle (Doryphora
decemlineata) which feeds, both in the larval and adult stages, upon
the leaves of the potato, often doing great damage. Called also
Colorado potato beetle, and Doryphora. See Colorado beetle. (b) The
Lema trilineata, a smaller and more slender striped beetle which feeds
upon the potato plant, bur does less injury than the preceding species.
-- Potato fly (Zoˆl.), any one of several species of blister beetles
infesting the potato vine. The black species (Lytta atrata), the
striped (L. vittata), and the gray (L. cinerea, or Fabricii) are the
most common. See Blister beetle, under Blister. -- Potato rot, a
disease of the tubers of the potato, supposed to be caused by a kind of
mold (Peronospora infestans), which is first seen upon the leaves and
stems. -- Potato weevil (Zoˆl.), an American weevil (Baridius
trinotatus) whose larva lives in and kills the stalks of potato vines,
often causing serious damage to the crop. -- Potato whisky, a strong,
fiery liquor, having a hot, smoky taste, and rich in amyl alcohol
(fusel oil); it is made from potatoes or potato starch. -- Potato worm
(Zoˆl.), the large green larva of a sphinx, or hawk moth (Macrosila
quinquemaculata); -- called also tomato worm. See Illust. under Tomato.
-- Seaside potato (Bot.), Ipomúa Pes-CaprÊ, a kind of morning-glory
with rounded and emarginate or bilobed leaves. [West Indies] -- Sweet
potato (Bot.), a climbing plant (Ipomúa Balatas) allied to the
morning-glory. Its farinaceous tubers have a sweetish taste, and are
used, when cooked, for food. It is probably a native of Brazil, but is
cultivated extensively in the warmer parts of every continent, and even
as far north as New Jersey. The name potato was applied to this plant
before it was to the Solanum tuberosum, and this is the "potato" of the
Southern United States. -- Wild potato. (Bot.) (a) A vine (Ipomúa
pandurata) having a pale purplish flower and an enormous root. It is
common in sandy places in the United States. (b) A similar tropical
American plant (I. fastigiata) which it is thought may have been the
original stock of the sweet potato.
Po*ta"tor (?), n. [L.] A drinker. [R.] Southey.
Po"ta*to*ry (?), a. [L. potatorius, from potare to drink.] Of or
pertaining to drinking. Ld. Lytton.
Pot"-bel`lied (?), a. Having a protuberant belly, like the bottom of a
pot.
Pot"-bel`ly (?), n. A protuberant belly.
Pot"boil`er (?), n. A term applied derisively to any literary or
artistic work, and esp. a painting, done simply for money and the means
of living. [Cant]
Pot"boy` (?), n. A boy who carries pots of ale, beer, etc.; a menial in
a public house.
Potch (?), v. i. [Cf. Poach to stab.] To thrust; to push. [Obs.] "I 'll
potch at him some way." Shak.
Potch, v. t. See Poach, to cook. [Obs.] Wiseman.
Potch"er (?), n. One who, or that which, potches.
Potcher engine (Paper Making), a machine in which washed rags are
stirred in a bleaching solution.