bitter vetch

noun

: any of several reputedly bitter or toxic vetches: such as

a

: ers

b

: chickling

c

: an erect glabrous European vetch (Lathyrus montanus) with creeping and tuberous rhizomes

d

: a western North American vetch (Lathyrus lanszwertii) with narrow coriaceous leaflets and pale lavender to pinkish violet flowers

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!