milk vetch

noun

1. a European plant, Astragalus glycyphyllos, of the legume family, believed to increase the secretion of milk in goats.
2. any herb of certain allied genera.

milk vetch

noun

1. any of various leguminous plants of the genus Astragalus, esp A. glycyphyllos, with clusters of purple, white, or yellowish flowers: formerly reputed to increase milk production in goats

Word History and Origins

Origin of milk vetch¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

A number of protected species inhabit the area, including the tortoise and an endangered plant, the Lane Mountain milk-vetch.

From Los Angeles Times

One plant, the sentry milk-vetch, grows in a few narrow bands along the canyon’s rim and nowhere else on Earth.

From Washington Post

He got the notion into his head of cultivating the poppy for the purpose of getting opium from it, and above all the milk-vetch, which he intended to sell under the name of "family coffee."

From Project Gutenberg