[Sp., f. TUNA1 + -al (cf. CHAPARRAL).] A grove or thicket of tunas: see TUNA1. (Also erron. used for tuna.)
1613. Purchas, Pilgrimage, VIII. x. 661. That they should goe seeke Out a Tunal in the Lake, which grew out of a stone.
1666. J. Davies, Hist. Caribby Isles, 62. A kind of Tunal, on which there have been seen certain little Worms in colour like a Ruby, which dye Linen … a very fair and lively Scarlet-colour.
1722. D. Coxe, Descr. Carolina, 85. This noble ingredient for dying is produc’d by a tree or shrub call’d the tunal or tuna.
1857. Kingsley, Two Y. Ago, II. 104. Mexicans among tunals of cactus and agave.
