(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.0.53Collaborative 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 ]