bryony, n. [L. bryonia, Gr. brywni`a, fr. bry`ein to swell, esp. of plants.].
The common name of several cucurbitaceous plants of the genus Bryonia. The root of Bryonia alba (rough bryony or white bryony) and of Bryonia dioica is a strong, irritating cathartic. [1913 Webster]
Black bryony, a plant (Tamus communis) so named from its dark glossy leaves and black root; black bindweed.