(v. t.) Whatever is produced for the nourishment or enjoyment of
man or animals by the processes of vegetable growth, as corn, grass,
cotton, flax, etc.; -- commonly used in the plural.
(v. t.) The pulpy, edible seed vessels of certain plants,
especially those grown on branches above ground, as apples, oranges,
grapes, melons, berries, etc. See 3.
(v. t.) The ripened ovary of a flowering plant, with its contents
and whatever parts are consolidated with it.
(v. t.) The spore cases or conceptacles of flowerless plants, as
of ferns, mosses, algae, etc., with the spores contained in them.
(v. t.) The produce of animals; offspring; young; as, the fruit
of the womb, of the loins, of the body.
(v. t.) That which is produced; the effect or consequence of any
action; advantageous or desirable product or result; disadvantageous or
evil consequence or effect; as, the fruits of labor, of self-denial, of
intemperance.
(v. i.) To bear fruit.
