*chick-pea*

n. [ See Chich. ] 1. (Bot.) A Small leguminous plant (Cicer arietinum) of Asia, Africa, and the south of Europe; the chich; the dwarf pea; the gram. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Its nutritious seed, used in cookery, and especially, when roasted (parched pulse), as food for travelers in the Eastern deserts. [ 1913 Webster ]