medlar, n. [OE. medler medlar tree, OF. meslier, F. néflier, 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 (Cratægus Azarolus); also, its fruit.