a large north american herb of the genus phytolacca (p. decandra), bearing dark purple juicy berries; -- called also garget, pigeon berry, pocan, and pokeweed. the root and berries have emetic and purgative properties, and are used in medicine. the young shoots are sometimes eaten as a substitute for asparagus, and the berries are said to be used in europe to color wine.-a bag; a sack; a pocket.-a long, wide sleeve; -- called also poke sleeve.-to thrust or push against or into with anything pointed; hence, to stir up; to excite; as, to poke a fire.-to thrust with the horns; to gore.-to put a poke on; as, to poke an ox.-to search; to feel one's way, as in the dark; to grope; as, to poke about.-the act of poking; a thrust; a jog; as, a poke in the ribs.-a lazy person; a dawdler; also, a stupid or uninteresting person.-a contrivance to prevent an animal from leaping or breaking through fences. it consists of a yoke with a pole inserted, pointed forward.