(n) Eurasian perennial herb having pale pink flowers and curved pods; naturalized in Britain and North America grasslands on calcareous soils; important forage crop and source of honey in Britain, Syn. esparcet, Onobrychis viciifolia, sanfoin, Onobrychis viciaefolia, holy clover
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ F., fr. sain wholesome (L. sanus; see Sane.) + foin hay (L. faenum); or perh. fr. saint sacred (L. sanctus; see Saint) + foin hay. ] (Bot.) (a) A leguminous plant (Onobrychis sativa) cultivated for fodder. [ Written also saintfoin. ](b) A kind of tick trefoil (Desmodium Canadense). [ Canada ] [ 1913 Webster ]