partridge pea

noun

a North American plant, Cassia fasciculata, of the legume family, having yellow flowers and feathery compound leaves that fold shut when touched.

Origin of partridge pea

1780-1790

An Americanism dating back to 1780-90; probably so called because its fruit provides food for partridges

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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