† ˈpepon Obs.
[ad. L. pepon-em (see prec.) or F. pepon (15–16th c. in Godef.) ‘a Pompion or Melon’ (Cotgr.).]
A pumpkin, the fruit of Cucurbita Pepo; also, the plant itself.
| 1382 Wyclif Num. xi. 5 The goordis, and the peponys [1388 & Coverd. melouns, Genev. pepons], and the leeke. 1533 Elyot Cast. Helthe ii. vii. (1541) 19 b, Melones and Pepones be almoste of one Kynde..the Pepon is moche greatter, and somwhat longe. 1570 Levins Manip. 164/15 A Peapon, pepo. 1578 Lyte Dodoens v. xxix. 587 The great Pepon. 1608 Willet Hexapla Exod. 248 They preferred peppons, onyons, leekes and garlike before it. 1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden clxvi, To which may be added Melons, Pepons, Cucumbers, Artichokes. |