Definition of "cowage" []

• A leguminous climbing plant, of the genus Mucuna, the spiculae of which are sometimes used as a mechanical vermifuge. (noun)

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• "It is called the cowage, or cow-itch, on account of the seed pods being covered with short brittle hairs, the points of which are finely serrated, causing an unbearable itching when applied to the skin, which is relieved by rubbing the part with oil."
• "Nettle of extra-stinging quality; but it may also mean an Eastern plant that was used to produce cowage, or cow-itch."
• "Others carried bags filled with hairs of picapica; * (* Dolichos pruriens (cowage).) and blew the hair, which causes a great irritation of the skin, into the faces of those who passed by."