'Japan medlar' definitions:

Definition of 'Japan medlar'

From: GCIDE
  • Medlar \Med"lar\, n. [OE. medler medlar tree, OF. meslier, F. n['e]flier, L. mespilum, mespilus, Gr. ?, ?. Cf. Naseberry.] A tree of the genus Mespilus (Mespilus Germanica); also, the fruit of the tree. The fruit is something like a small apple, but has a bony endocarp. When first gathered the flesh is hard and austere, and it is not eaten until it has begun to decay. [1913 Webster]
  • Japan medlar (Bot.), the loquat. See Loquat.
  • Neapolitan medlar (Bot.), a kind of thorn tree ({Crataegus Azarolus}); also, its fruit. [1913 Webster]