Lu"cern (?), n. [Etymology uncertain.] [Obs.]
1.
A sort of hunting dog; -- perhaps from Lucerne, in Switzerland.
My lucerns, too, or dogs inured to hunt
Beasts of most rapine.
Chapman.
2.
An animal whose fur was formerly much in reqest (by some supposed to be the lynx).
[Written also
lusern and
luzern.]
The polecat, mastern, and the richskinned lucern
I know to chase.
Beau. & Fl.
© Webster 1913.
Lu"cern, n. [F. luzerne.] Bot.
A leguminous plant (Medicago sativa), having bluish purple cloverlike flowers, cultivated for fodder; -- called also alfalfa.
[Written also
lucerne.]
© Webster 1913.
Lu"cern, n. [L. lucerna.]
A lamp.
[Obs.]
Lydgate.
© Webster 1913.