CHAFF

n. Chasf. A.-S., ceaf. Gr., axvpov. Lat., palea. Fr., paillette. Ger., Spreu (oder Spreublcittchen) (1st def.), Spelze (3d def.). It., loppa, pagliuola. Sp., zurron, hollejo. 1. One of the thin membranous scales (bracts) subtending the florets of the disc in a flower-head of the Compositce. 2. A hair dilated into a more or le scale-like form, such as is found upon numerous ferns. 3. The sheath-like membranous investment (husk) which directly surrounds the floret of the Gramineoe, and is separated from the grain by threshing. [B, 123.] C.-flower, n. The Alternant her a achyrantha. [B, 19.] C.-scale, n. See C. C.-seed, n. The Schwdlbea american a. [B, 275.] C.-weed, n. The Centunculus minimus, also a species of Gnaphalium. [B. 116, 275.] [s. 194]