jack bean

American  

noun

1. a bushy tropical plant, Canavalia ensiformis, of the legume family, grown especially for forage.

2. the white seeds of this plant.

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jack bean British  

noun

1. a tropical American leguminous plant, Canavalia ensiformis , that has clusters of purple flowers and long pods and is grown in the southern US for forage

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Etymology

Origin of jack bean

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The ingredients also include radish or cabbage, wild carrot or a relative, yarrow, jack bean and a hibiscus species.

From Washington Post

These jack beans must be set in by a hand that knows 'em.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Robards was always fond of flowers, and these jack beans in special.

From Project Gutenberg