darnel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous
    bearded darnel; cheat; Lolium temulentum; tare.

WordNet

Dar"nel noun
Etymology
OE. darnel, dernel, of uncertain origin; cf. dial. F. darnelle, Sw. dår-repe; perh. named from a supposed intoxicating quality of the plant, and akin to Sw. dåra to infatuate, OD. door foolish, G. thor fool, and Ee. dizzy.
Definitions
  1. (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 L. Italicum (Italian rye grass), are highly esteemed for pasture and for making hay. ✍ Under darnel our early herbalists comprehended all kinds of cornfield weeds. Dr. Prior.

Webster 1913