Darnel

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

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