darnel

American  

[dahr-nl] / ˈdɑr nl /

noun

1. any of several grasses of the genus Lolium, having simple stems, flat leaves, and terminal spikes.

---

darnel British  

/ ˈdɑːnəl /

noun

1. any of several grasses of the genus Lolium, esp L. temulentum, that grow as weeds in grain fields in Europe and Asia

---

Etymology

Origin of darnel

1275–1325; Middle English; compare French (Walloon) darnelle, probably < Germanic

Example Sentences

An acidulated fermented drink of the Arabs and Egyptians, made from millet seed and various astringent substances; also, an intoxicating beverage made from hemp seed, darnel meal, and water.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

Dr. Thomson gives unequivocal testimony, at the same time, that at the present day no instance is known of the growth of darnel among the wheat being caused by the malicious act of an enemy.

From The Parables of Our Lord by Arnot, William

Where the plump barley-grain so oft we sowed, There but wild oats and barren darnel spring; For tender violet and narcissus bright Thistle and prickly thorn uprear their heads.

From The Bucolics and Eclogues by Virgil

The wheat and the darnel were opposite in character and consequences as light and darkness, but they were precisely alike in the manner of their growth.

From The Parables of Our Lord by Arnot, William

The darnel is permitted to grow in summer, and in harvest is cast into the fire,—both for the sake of the wheat.

From The Parables of Our Lord by Arnot, William