darnel

American  

[dahr-nl] / ˈdɑr nl /

noun

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of darnel

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

darnel

When I am dead, and years shall pass, The scythe will cut the darnel grass Now and again for decency, Where we forgotten people lie.

From The Spinners by Eden Phillpotts

Geese and cranes, chicory, mildew, thistles, cleavers, caltrops, darnel and shade are farmer's enemies.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

At no other time could the poor mad king have gone singing aloud, "Crowned with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds, With harlock, hemlocks, nettles, cuckoo-flowers, And darnel."

From The plant-lore & garden-craft of Shakespeare by Henry Nicholson Ellacombe

After the feathers have been pulled from their tails and wings they are crammed with balls of barley paste, with which may be mixed darnel meal, or flax seed soaked in soft water.

From Roman Farm Management The Treatises of Cato and Varro by Fairfax Harrison

In some most remote northern parts of England the farmer lights a wisp of straw, which he carries round his fields to protect them from the tare and darnel, the devil and witches.

From Old English Sports, Pastimes and Customs by P. H. (Peter Hampson) Ditchfield

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