E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Arbor Judæ.
Said to be so called because Judas Iscariot hanged himself thereon. This is one of those word-resemblances so delusive to etymologists. Judæ is the Spanish jud’ia (a French bean), and Arbor Judæ is a corruption of Arbol Judia (the bean-tree), so called from its bean-like pods.
des 3 syl.],
