FRUIT, noun [Latin fructus. The Latin word is the participle of fruor, contracted from frugor, or frucor, to use, to take the profit of.]

1. In a general sense, whatever the earth produces for the nourishment of animals, or for clothing or profit. Among the fruits of the earth are included not only corn of all kinds, but grass, cotton, flax, grapes and all cultivated plants. In this comprehensive sense, the word is generally used in the plural.

2. In a more limited sense, the produce of a tree or other plant; the last production for the propagation or multiplication of its kind; the seed of plants, or the part that contains the seeds; as wheat, rye, oats, apples, quinces, pears, cherries, acorns, melons, etc.

3. In botany, the seed of a plant, or the seed with the pericarp.

4. Production; that which is produced.

The fruit of the spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth. Ephesians 5:9.

5. The produce of animals; offspring; young; as the fruit of the womb, of the loins, of the body.

6. Effect or consequence.

They shall eat the fruit of their doings. Isaiah 3:10.

7. Advantage; profit; good derived.

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? Romans 6:21.

8. Production, effect or consequence; in an ill sense; as the fruits of sin; the fruits of intemperance.

FRUIT, verb intransitive To produce fruit [Not well authorized.]