† ˈax-fitch Herb. Obs.
Also 7 ax-vitch.
[f. axe n.1 + fitch.]
A leguminous plant (Securigera Coronilla), a native of Southern Europe.
| 1562 Turner Herbal ii. 132 a, I call it Axsede or Axwurt (or Axfich) because..the sede..is lyke vnto a two edged axe. 1601 Holland Pliny II. 274 Axvitch. 1611 Cotgr., Securidaque, the pulse Axseed, Axwort, Axfitch, Hatchet⁓fitch. 1727 Bradley Fam. Dict., Horse-shoe..a rare plant which has Leaves like the small Axfitch. |