grains of paradise

pl. The seeds of Amomum melegueta, and of A. granum paradisi, of W. Africa. They are slightly aromatic and diuretic, useful in some cases of neuralgia. *grāin'-staff, s . [English grain , and staff .] A quarterstaff (q. v.). grāin-ỹ, a. [Eng. grain (1); y.] 1. Full of grains or granular particles; granular. "It presented on its surface the grainy ripple of primæval seas." -Edinburgh Review. 2. Full of grain or corn. well. They mostly frequent marshy places, the sides of streams and lakes on the sea-shore, where they pick up worms and insects. The order may be divided into four tribes: Macrodactyl i, Cultrirostres, Long i rost res, and Pre i rost res; they have been divided also into six families: (1) Rallide (Rails), (2) Scolopacide (Snipes), (3) Ardeide (Herons), (4) Charadriide (Plovers), (5) Otitidse (Bustards), and (6) Gruide (Cranes). 2. Palæont .: Representatives of the order have been found in the Cretaceous rocks, and a succe ion of others in the Tertiary.