Furze

/fɜːz/ noun

Definition

A prickly shrub with yellow flowers that grows wild in Europe, often used as fuel or animal feed.

Etymology

Old English 'fyrs' of uncertain origin, possibly related to Proto-Germanic roots; the plant has been known since Anglo-Saxon times as a hardy shrub for rough land.

Kelly Says

Furze was so valuable in medieval times that it was actually stolen from common lands—poor families depended on it as their only fuel source in winter.

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