Spikenard \Spike"nard\, n.[For spiked nard; cf. G. spieknarde, NL. spica nardi. See Spike an ear, and Nard.]

1. (Bot.) An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region. From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India.

2. A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)