I. ˈmedlə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English medeler, from Middle French meslier, medlier medlar tree, from mesle, medle medlar (fruit), from Latin mespilum, mespilus, mespila, from Greek mespilon
1.
a. : a small Eurasian tree ( Mespilus germanica ) that is widely cultivated especially in Europe
b. : the fruit of this tree resembling a crab apple and a much-used base for preserves
2. : loquat
3.
a. : a small deciduous tree ( Vangueria infausta ) of southern Africa with few branches, with twigs and opposite leaves covered with velvety hairs, and with small greenish yellow flowers
b. : the globose fruit of this tree which has a leathery skin that is brown when ripe and a pithy flesh of a sweet-acid flavor
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: by shortening and alteration
: meadowlark