beggar-ticks

or beg·gar's-ticks

[ beg-er-tiks ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

, plural beg·gar-ticks.

1. any of several composite plants of the genus Bidens, having rayless yellow flowers and barbed achenes that cling to clothing.
2. the achenes of these plants.
3. any of several other plants having seeds or fruits that cling to clothing, as those of the genus Desmodium.

beggar-ticks

noun

1. any of various plants, such as the bur marigold and tick trefoil, having fruits or seeds that cling to clothing, fur, etc
2. the seed or fruit of any of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of beggar-ticks¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

It was overrun with Roman wormwood and beggar-ticks, which last stuck to my clothes for all fruit.

From Project Gutenberg