darnel

2 definitions found

darnel - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  darnel \dar"nel\ (d[a^]r"n[e^]l), n. [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.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Under darnel our early herbalists comprehended all
           kinds of cornfield weeds. --Dr. Prior.
           [1913 Webster]

darnel - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  darnel
      n 1: weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other
           cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous [syn:
           darnel, tare, bearded darnel, cheat, Lolium temulentum
           ]