 |
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
darnel \dar"nel\ (d[a^]r"n[e^]l), noun [OE. darnel, dernel, of uncertain origin; cf. dial. F. darnelle, Sw. d[*a]r-repe; perh. named from a supposed intoxicating quality of the plant, and akin to Sw. d[*a]ra to infatuate, OD. door foolish, G. thor fool, and Ee. dizzy.] (Bot.) Any grass of the genus {Lolium}, esp. the {Lolium temulentum} (bearded darnel), the grains of which have been reputed poisonous. Other species, as {Lolium perenne} (rye grass or ray grass), and its variety {Lolium Italicum} (Italian rye grass), are highly esteemed for pasture and for making hay.
Note: Under darnel our early herbalists comprehended all kinds of cornfield weeds. --Dr. Prior.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
darnel
noun: weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous [syn: {tare}, {bearded darnel}, {cheat}, {Lolium temulentum}]
 |
Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |