A hard, strong timber obtained from hardwood trees, or archaic term for the horn beam tree used in construction.
From 'hard' (Old English) combined with 'beam' (Old English 'bēam' meaning 'tree' or 'timber'), referring to strong wood from resilient trees.
The hornbeam tree was called 'hardbeam' because its wood is so dense it was historically used for tool handles, wagon axles, and violin bows—harder and more durable than oak.
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