Fruit1, n.
(frūt), n. [Fr. fruit, Pr. fruit, frug, Sp. & Pg. fruto, It. frutto, from Lat. fructus, enjoyment, product, fruit, from frui, fructus, to enjoy.]
Sense 1. Whatever is produced for the enjoyment of man or animals by the processes of vegetable growth; that part of plants which contains the seed; especially, the juicy, pulpy products of certain plants, covering and including their seeds, as the apple, plum, pear, peach, berries, figs, melons, and others. “Goodliest trees, laden with fairest fruit.” Milton.
Sense 2. Whatever is to be enjoyed, partaken of, or made use of; the ultimate product or result of a growth or development; an action or course of conduct, and the like, which is to be taken and used, applied or endured; product; result; advantageous or desirable product or result; disadvantageous or evil consequence or effect; as, the fruits of the earth, of labor, of self-denial, of intemperance, and the like. “The fruit of rashness.” Shak. “The fruit of a bargain.” Burke.
They shall eat the fruit of their doings. Isa. iii. 10.
The fruits of this education became visible. Macaulay.
Sense 3. The produce of animals; offspring; young; as, the fruit of the womb, of the loins, of the body.
King Edward’s fruit, true heir to the English crown. Shak.