heath-pea

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A tuber-bearing leguminous plant, Lathyrus macrorhizus (Orobus tuberosus). The tubers resemble peas, and are eaten boiled or baked. The plant is widely diffused throughout Europe. The name is said sometimes to be applied also to another vetch, Vicia sicula (Orobus atropurpureus).