beggar's-lice

Also beg·gar-lice

[beg-erz-lahys]

noun

plural

beggar's-lice 

1. (used with a singular or plural verb),  any of several plants, especially of the genera Cynoglossum and Hackelia, having small, prickly fruits that stick to clothing.

2. (used with a plural verb),  the fruits or seeds of such a plant.

beggar's-lice

noun

1. any of several plants, esp the stickseed, having small prickly fruits that adhere to clothing, fur, etc

2. the seed or fruit of any of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of beggar's-lice¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50