Bär'ley, n.

noun

n. [A-S. bere, Scot. bere, Icel. barr, Goth. baris, O. Eng. ber-lie, W. barlys, Corn. barlis. Cf. W. bara, bread.] (Bot.) A valuable grain, of the family of grasses, genus Hordeum, sometimes used for food, but chiefly for making malt, from which are prepared the liquors beer, ale, and porter.

French barley and pearl barley are used for making decoctions. They are made by separating the grain from its husk. The pearl barley is reduced to the size of a small shot.

An engraved botanical illustration of a bearded grain head with a long stalk and narrow leaves.