WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Er"got
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. ergot, argot, lit., a spur.]
Definition : 1. A diseased condition of rye and other cereals, in which the grains become black, and often spur-shaped. It is caused by a parasitic fungus, Claviceps purpurea.

2. The mycelium or spawn of this fungus infecting grains of rye and wheat. It is a powerful remedial agent, and also a dangerous poison, and is used as a means of hastening childbirth, and to arrest bleeding.

3. (Far.)

Defn: A stub, like soft horn, about the size of a chestnut, situated behind and below the pastern joint.

4. (Anat.)

Defn: See 2d Calcar, 3 (b).
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913