medlar

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small Eurasian tree, Mespilus germanica, cultivated for its brown apple-like fruit

   The old medlar spread crooked branches across the orchard wall.

2. 2
   noun

   the brown fruit of this tree, traditionally eaten after it has softened through bletting

   The medlar became sweet and soft only after several weeks of storage.

From Middle English medler, through Old French medler or meslier, from Latin mespilum and Greek mespilon. The fruit is notably hard and astringent when fresh and is traditionally allowed to blet, or soften and brown, before eating.

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