ergot

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: er=got

CIDE DICTIONARY

ergot, n. [F. ergot, argot, lit., a spur.].

•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  A stub, like soft horn, about the size of a chestnut, situated behind and below the pastern joint.  [1913 Webster]
•  See 2d Calcar, 3 (b).  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

ergot, n.
1 a disease of rye and other cereals caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea.
2 a this fungus. b the dried spore-containing structures of this, used as a medicine to aid childbirth.

Etymology

F f. OF argot cock's spur, from the appearance produced