beggar's-lice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Regional, Botanical
Quick answer
What does “beggar's-lice” mean?
A plant whose seeds or small fruits are covered in hooked bristles that cling to clothing and animal fur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant whose seeds or small fruits are covered in hooked bristles that cling to clothing and animal fur.
The clinging seeds or fruits themselves; used as a common name for various plants, primarily of the genera Desmodium or Hackelia. Figuratively, any persistent, clinging nuisance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is not widely common. It is more likely a rural or regional term.
Connotations
Neutral botanical/farmland term, with a slight rustic connotation.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, though the plants referred to may differ regionally.
Grammar
How to Use “beggar's-lice” in a Sentence
[Subject] was covered in beggar's-lice.The beggar's-lice clung to [object].We spent ages picking beggar's-lice off [object].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in botanical contexts to describe specific seed dispersal mechanisms.
Everyday
Used when describing a nuisance after walking through fields or woods.
Technical
Botanical term for a specific seed morphology (diaspore with uncinate hairs).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beggar's-lice”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beggar's-lice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beggar's-lice”
- Spelling: 'beggarslice' (should be hyphenated or two words).
- Using singular 'beggar's-louse' when referring to multiple seeds.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not an insect. It's a common name for plants with seeds that cling like lice.
No, the plants referred to as beggar's-lice are not cultivated for food and are generally considered a nuisance.
No, it's a low-frequency, often regional or old-fashioned term. More common generic terms are 'burrs' or 'stickers'.
By carefully picking them off or using a stiff brush or adhesive tape. They have tiny hooks that catch on fabric.
A plant whose seeds or small fruits are covered in hooked bristles that cling to clothing and animal fur.
Beggar's-lice is usually informal, regional, botanical in register.
Beggar's-lice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛɡəz ˌlaɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛɡərz ˌlaɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stick like beggar's-lice.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'beggar's lice' as seeds that 'beg' for a ride by latching on like tiny lice.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL NUISANCE IS A PARASITE; AN UNWANTED ATTACHMENT IS A DISEASE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of beggar's-lice?