A North American plant, Caulophyllum thalictroides (family Berberidaceae), bearing panicles of small yellowish flowers and blue berries; also called blue cohosh; (also) the thick, twisted root of this plant, used in herbal medicine as a diuretic, emmenagogue, etc.
Origin
Early 19th century.
Definition of papoose root in US English:
papoose root
noun
A North American plant, Caulophyllum thalictroides (family Berberidaceae), bearing panicles of small yellowish flowers and blue berries; also called blue cohosh; (also) the thick, twisted root of this plant, used in herbal medicine as a diuretic, emmenagogue, etc.