An archaic name for deadly nightshade, a poisonous plant with dark berries and toxic leaves used historically in medicine and poisons.
From Old English and Germanic origins, possibly related to Old Norse 'dvalr' or meaning 'to stupefy.' The word was applied to nightshade because of its narcotic and poisonous properties that cause sleep or death.
Medieval doctors and poisoners used dwale carefully—small amounts could numb pain, but slightly more could kill you, which is why witches in folklore were always associated with deadly nightshade!
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