Main Entry:

¹chaff

Pronunciation:

\ˈchaf\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English chaf, from Old English ceaf; akin to Old High German cheva husk

Date:

before 12th century

1 : the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain 2 : something comparatively worthless 3 : the scales borne on the receptacle among the florets in the heads of many composite plants 4 : material (as strips of foil or clusters of fine wires) ejected into the air for reflecting radar waves (as for confusing an enemy's radar detection)

— chaffy \ˈcha-fē\ adjective