milk vetch

noun

1. a European plant, Astragalus glycyphyllos, of the legume family, believed to increase the secretion of milk in goats.
2. any herb of certain allied genera.

milk vetch

noun

1. any of various leguminous plants of the genus Astragalus, esp A. glycyphyllos, with clusters of purple, white, or yellowish flowers: formerly reputed to increase milk production in goats

Word History and Origins

Origin of milk vetch¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

The caterpillars feed upon the leaves of oak and Astragalus or milk vetch.

From Project Gutenberg