The hard, heavy wood of any of several tropical trees, especially the Caribbean tree, Brya ebenus (family Fabaceae (Leguminosae)), used for musical instruments and cabinet work.
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in John Browne (1642–?1702/3), surgeon.
Definition of red ebony in US English:
red ebony
noun
The hard, heavy wood of any of several tropical trees, especially the Caribbean tree, Brya ebenus (family Fabaceae (Leguminosae)), used for musical instruments and cabinet work.
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in John Browne (1642–?1702/3), surgeon.