[ Sp., fr. Mexican copalli, a generic name of resins. Clavigero. ] A resinous substance flowing spontaneously from trees of Zanzibar, Madagascar, and South America (Trachylobium Hornemannianum, Trachylobium verrucosum, and Hymenæa Courbaril), and dug from earth where forests have stood in Africa; -- used chiefly in making varnishes. Ure. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The yellowish, fragrant balsam yielded by the sweet gum; also, the tree itself. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]