Chadlock

/ˈtʃædlɒk/ noun

Definition

A wild mustard plant with yellow flowers that grows in grain fields and is considered a weed in many regions.

Etymology

From Middle English chadlok, of uncertain origin, possibly from Old English ceafl (jaw) referring to the plant's shape, or from a Germanic root meaning a coarse plant or weed.

Kelly Says

Chadlock was such a persistent problem for medieval farmers that it became a symbol of agricultural struggle—Shakespeare and other writers mentioned it as a sign of poor farming or neglected fields.

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