beggar's-lice

American  

[beg-erz-lahys] / ˈbɛg ərzˌlaɪs /

Also beggar-lice

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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of beggar's-lice

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Well, she said they would stick on your dress and stick your legs and you would have to pick them off and sometimes the beggar's-lice would be thick on their clothes and they would pick them off.

From Project Gutenberg