leatherleaf n 1: stiff leathery-leaved fern of western North America having ovate fronds parted to the midrib [syn: {leathery polypody}, {coast polypody}, {Polypodium scouleri}] 2: north temperate bog shrub with evergreen leathery leaves and small white cylindrical flowers [syn: {Chamaedaphne calyculata}]