beggar's-lice

noun

beg·​gar's-lice ˈbe-gərz-ˌlīs How to pronounce beggar's-lice (audio)
variants or beggar-lice
ˈbe-gər-ˌlīs How to pronounce beggar's-lice (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: any of various plants (as of the genera Hackelia and Cynoglossum of the borage family) with prickly or adhesive fruits
also : one of these fruits

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beggar's-lice was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near beggar's-lice

beggar's dance

beggar's-lice

beggar's needle

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Beggar's-lice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beggar%27s-lice. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

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