also arbor-vitae, type of evergreen shrub, 1660s, name given by French physician and botanist Charles de Lécluse, Latin, literally "tree of life;" see arbor (n.2) + vital. Also used in late 18c. rogue's slang as a cant word for "penis."
arbitration
arbitrator
arbitrer
arbor
Arbor Day
arbor vitae
arboreal
arboretum
arboricide
arboriculture
arborist