ˈrest-harrow
[f. rest n.3 or v.3 + harrow: cf. med.L. resta bovis, OF. reste beof.]
A field-shrub (Ononis arvensis), with tough roots, also called cammock.
| c 1550 Lloyd Treas. Health O iij, Take of Plantayne, Starewort, Scabiouse and of the rote of restharrowe. 1567 J. Maplet Gr. Forest 35 b, In some place for hindring and staying the Husbandman it is called Rest harrow. 1600 Surflet Countrie Farme v. v. 667 The couchgrasse, and that which is called rest-harrow, make shew to be more standing tenants. a 1682 Sir T. Browne Tracts (1683) 88 Bindweed, Restharrow and other vitia segetum. 1728 Gardiner tr. Rapin's Gardens i. (ed. 3) 41 Restharrow, whose tough Root obstructs the Plough. 1785 Martyn Rousseau's Bot. xxv. (1794) 352 Restharrows are lowly shrubs, or rather undershrubs, with purple flowers. 1844 H. Stephens Bk. Farm III. 944 On light soils, the rest-harrow..is a great pest. 1880 Jefferies Gt. Estate 131 Some bushy plants of the rest-harrow, whose prickly branches repel cattle. |