Definition of "katniss"

KATNISS is another Indian name of a plant, the root of which they were likewise accustomed to eat, when they lived here.

1771, Peter Kalm, Travels into North America, volume 2, London: T. Lowndes, page 96

[…] of the roots, they had hopniss (glycine apios), katniss (sagittaria sagittifolia), tawho (arum virginicum), tawkee (orantium aquaticum).

1832, John F. Watson, Historic Tales of Olden Time, New York: Collins & Hannay, page 54

Known as “wappatoo” or “katniss,” the corms were prepared by baking, roasting, or boiling.

2011, Timothy A. Block, Ann Fowler Rhoads, Aquatic Plants of Pennsylvania: A Complete Reference Guide, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, page 36