Gär'lic, n.

n. [A-S. gārleác, from gār, spear, lance, and leác, leek, from the leaves rising like lances or spears. Cf. Ger. knoblauch, O. H. Ger. chlobalōch, from chlūban, to cleave.]

1. (Bot.) A plant of the genus Allium (A. sativum is the cultivated variety), having a bulbous root, a very strong smell, and an acrid, pungent taste. Each root is composed of several lesser bulbs, called cloves of garlic, inclosed in a common membranous coat, and easily separable.
2. A jig or farce popular at the beginning of the seventeenth century. [Obs.] Bp. Taylor.