lu·cern /luˈsɝn/
Lu·cern, n. Bot. A leguminous plant (Medicago sativa), having bluish purple cloverlike flowers, cultivated for fodder; -- called also alfalfa. [Written also lucerne.]
Lu·cern, n. A lamp. [Obs.]
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Lu·cern n. [Obs.]
1. A sort of hunting dog; -- perhaps from Lucerne, in Switzerland.
My lucerns, too, or dogs inured to hunt
Beasts of most rapine. --Chapman.
2. An animal whose fur was formerly much in request (by some supposed to be the lynx). [Written also lusern and luzern.]
The polecat, mastern, and the richskinned lucern
I know to chase. --Beau. & Fl.