Cow"hage (kou"h?j), n. [Cf. Hind. kawnch, konch.] Bot.
A leguminous climbing plant of the genus Mucuna, having crooked pods covered with sharp hairs, which stick to the fingers, causing intolerable itching. The spiculae are sometimes used in medicine as a mechanical vermifuge.
[Written also
couhage,
cowage, and
cowitch.]
© Webster 1913.