<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>any tree or shrub of the genus Betula, comprising species with a smooth, laminated outer bark and close-grained wood.</li><li>the wood itself.</li><li>a birch rod, or a bundle of birch twigs, used especially for whipping.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>birchen.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to beat or punish with or as if with a birch: The young ruffians were birched soundly by their teacher.</li></ul>