Box (b&obreve_;ks), n. [As. box, L. buxus, fr. Gr. &unr_;. See Box a case.] (Bot.) A tree or shrub, flourishing in different parts of the world. The common box (Buxus sempervirens) has two varieties, one of which, the dwarf box (Buxus suffruticosa), is much used for borders in gardens. The wood of the tree varieties, being very hard and smooth, is extensively used in the arts, as by turners, engravers, mathematical instrument makers, etc.
[1913 Webster]

Box elder, the ash-leaved maple (Negundo aceroides), of North America. -- Box holly, the butcher's broom (Russus aculeatus). -- Box thorn, a shrub (Lycium barbarum). -- Box tree, the tree variety of the common box.
[1913 Webster]

Box, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Boxed (&unr_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Boxing.]
[1913 Webster]

1. To inclose in a box.
[1913 Webster]

2. To furnish with boxes, as a wheel.
[1913 Webster]

3. (Arch.) To inclose with boarding, lathing, etc., so as to bring to a required form.
[1913 Webster]

To box a tree, to make an incision or hole in a tree for the purpose of procuring the sap. -- To box off, to divide into tight compartments. -- To box up. (a) To put into a box in order to save; as, he had boxed up twelve score pounds. (b) To confine; as, to be boxed up in narrow quarters.
[1913 Webster]

Box, v. i. To fight with the fist; to combat with, or as with, the hand or fist; to spar.
[1913 Webster]

Box, v. t. [Cf.Sp. boxar, now spelt bojar.] To boxhaul.
[1913 Webster]

To box off (Naut.), to turn the head of a vessel either way by bracing the headyards aback. -- To box the compass (Naut.), to name the thirty-two points of the compass in their order.
[1913 Webster]