beggar's-lice

American  

[beg-erz-lahys] / ˈbɛg ərzˌlaɪs /

Also beggar-lice

noun

beggar's-lice plural

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.

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beggar's-lice British  

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• beggar's-lice
  plural

Etymology

Origin of beggar's-lice

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50