darnel

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}]
    

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]