water oak

water oak (plural water oaks)

1. (chiefly Canada, US) Any of various hard oaks that grow near rivers or swamps, especially Quercus nigra, of the southern US. [from 18th c.]
   • 1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening:

     Some young people were out under the wateroaks playing croquet. Mr. Pontellier's two children were there—sturdy little fellows of four and five.

   • 1967, William Styron, The Confessions of Nat Turner (Vintage 2004), page 200:

     I recall a catbird high in the water oak above, swinging like a rag amid the branches, jabbering and screeching [...].