Main Entry: vetch

Pronunciation: \ˈvech\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English fecche, veche, from Middle French dial. (Norman & Picard) veche, from Latin vicia; perhaps akin to Latin vincire to bind

Date: 14th century

: any of a genus (Vicia) of herbaceous twining leguminous plants including some grown for fodder and green manure — compare crown vetch, hairy vetch, milk vetch

[vetch illustration]