The fruit of a species of palm (q.v.), the Phoenix dactilifera. This was a common tree in Palestine (Joel 1:12; Nehemiah 8:15). Palm branches were carried by the Jews on festive occasions, and especially at the feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:40; Nehemiah 8:15).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) The fruit of the date palm; also, the date palm itself.

2. (n.) That addition to a writing, inscription, coin, etc., which specifies the time (as day, month, and year) when the writing or inscription was given, or executed, or made; as, the date of a letter, of a will, of a deed, of a coin. etc.

3. (n.) The point of time at which a transaction or event takes place, or is appointed to take place; a given point of time; epoch; as, the date of a battle.

4. (n.) Assigned end; conclusion.

5. (n.) Given or assigned length of life.

6. (v. t.) To note the time of writing or executing; to express in an instrument the time of its execution; as, to date a letter, a bond, a deed, or a charter.

7. (v. t.) To note or fix the time of, as of an event; to give the date of; as, to date the building of the pyramids.

8. (v. i.) To have beginning; to begin; to be dated or reckoned; -- with from.