Er"got (?), n. [F. ergot,
argot, lit., a spur.] 1. A diseased
condition of rye and other cereals, in which the grains become black,
and often spur-shaped. It is caused by a parasitic fungus,
Claviceps purpurea.
2. The mycelium or spawn of this fungus
infecting grains of rye and wheat. It is a powerful remedial agent,
and also a dangerous poison, and is used as a means of hastening
childbirth, and to arrest bleeding.
3. (Far.) A stub, like soft horn,
about the size of a chestnut, situated behind and below the pastern
joint.
4. (Anat.) See 2d Calcar, 3
(b).