King James Bible Dictionary

CHESTNUT, noun The fruit, seed or nut of a tree belonging to the genus Fagus. It is inclosed in a prickly pericarp, which contains two or more seeds.

CHESTNUT, adjective Being of the color of a chestnut; of a brown color. It is perhaps rarely used as a noun.

(Heb. 'armon; i.e., "naked"), mentioned in connection with Jacob's artifice regarding the cattle (Genesis 30:37). It is one of the trees of which, because of its strength and beauty, the Assyrian empire is likened (Ezekiel 31:8; R.V., "plane trees"). It is probably the Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) that is intended. It is a characteristic of this tree that it annually sheds its outer bark, becomes "naked." The chestnut tree proper is not a native of Palestine.

Genesis 30:37
Ezekiel 31:8

(Heb. 'armon .) (Genesis 30:37; Ezekiel 31:8) Probably the "palm tree" (Platanus orientalis) is intended. This tree thrives best in low and rather moist situations in the north of Palestine, and resembles our sycamore or buttonwood (Platanus occidentalis).

CHESTNUT-TREE, noun The tree which produces the chestnut. This tree grows to a great size, with spreading branches. It is one of the most valuable timber trees, as the wood is very durable, and forms in America the principal timber for fencing. The timber is also used in building, and for vessels of various kinds.

Dwarf-chestnut, or chinkapin, is another species of Fagus.

Horse-chestnut, is a tree of the genus Aesculus. The common tree of this sort is a native of the North of Asia, and admired for the beauty of its flowers. It is used for shade and ornament, and its nuts are esteemed good food for horses. The scarlet-flowering horse-chestnut is a native of Carolina, Brazil and the East, and is admired for its beauty.

The Indian Rose-chestnut, of the genus Mesua, bears a nut, roundish, pointed and marked with four elevated longitudinal sutures.