from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Medlar \Med"lar\, n. [OE. medler medlar tree, OF. meslier, F.
n['e]flier, L. mespilum, mespilus, Gr. ?, ?. Cf.
{Naseberry}.]
A tree of the genus {Mespilus} ({Mespilus Germanica}); also,
the fruit of the tree. The fruit is something like a small
apple, but has a bony endocarp. When first gathered the flesh
is hard and austere, and it is not eaten until it has begun
to decay.
[1913 Webster]
{Japan medlar} (Bot.), the loquat. See {Loquat}.
{Neapolitan medlar} (Bot.), a kind of thorn tree ({Crataegus
Azarolus}); also, its fruit.
[1913 Webster]