Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

(dăr′nĕl)

Noun.

[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

(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.

☞ Under darnel our early herbalists comprehended all kinds of cornfield weeds.

Dr. Prior.

Noun.

A plant of the genus Lolium, a kind of grass; the most remarkable species are the red darnel or rye-grass, and the white darnel.