from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cowpea \Cow"pea`\ (kou"p[=e]`), n.
1. The seed of one or more leguminous plants of the genus
{Dolichos}; also, the plant itself. Many varieties are
cultivated in the southern part of the United States.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Bot.) A leguminous plant ({Vigna Sinensis}, syn. {Vigna
Catjang}) found throughout the tropics of the Old World.
It is extensively cultivated in the Southern United States
for fodder, and the seed is used as food for man.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]