in general, includes whatever the earth produces for the nourishment and support of man, and other animals; as herbs, grain, hay, corn, &c.

more properly, signifies the production of a tree, or plant, for the propagation or multiplication of its kind; in which sense the word takes in all kinds of seeds with their furniture. But botanists usually understand by it that part of a plant wherein the seeds are contained.

FRUIT also implies an assemblage of seeds in a head; as in a ranunculus, &c. and all kinds of seeds, or grains, whether inclosed in a cover, capsule, or pod; and whether bony, fleshy, skinny, membranous, or the like. See Agriculture, Part I.