Also 6 churle hempe, charle hemp. [from CARL sb.1 in sense ‘male’; but the name was actually given in 16th c. to what is now known to be the female plant (being the robuster and coarser).
(So in med.L., and other langs.; the popular error was pointed out by Ray, Hist. (1686), I. 159, ‘Mas robustior (haec nobis foemina dicitur quia prolifica),’ also by Linnæus, Amœnitates (1746), I. 329; and fully discussed by Blair, Botan. Essays (1730), 246.)]
1. The female or seed-bearing hemp plant, which is of stronger growth, and produces a coarser fiber.
1523. Fitzherb., Husb., § 146. Thy female hempe must be pulled from the churle hempe, for that beareth no sede…. The churle hempe beareth sede … the hemp therof is not soo good as the female hempe.
1573. Tusser, Husb. (1878), 32. Karle hempe, left gréene, now pluck vp cléene.
1597. Gerarde, Herbal, ccxxvii. 572. The male is called Charle Hempe, and Winter Hempe. The female Barren Hempe, and Sommer Hempe.
1691. Ray, N. C. Wds. (E. D. S.), s.v. Nostrates dicunt karl-cat pro fele masculo, et karl-hemp pro cannabo majori vel masculo.
1877. E. Peacock, N.-W. Linc. Gloss. (E. D. S.), The carl or male hemp was used for ropes, sackcloth, and other coarse manufactures; the fimble, or female hemp, was applied to … domestic purposes.
fig. 1721. Kelly, Sc. Prov., 373 (Jam.). You have a Stalk of Carle Hemp in you. Spoken to sturdy and stubborn Boys.
1789. Burns, To Blacklock. Come Firm Resolve, take thou the van, Thou stalk o’ carl-hemp in man.
2. Also called shortly carl.
1573. Tusser, Husb. (1878), 113. The fimble to spin and the karl for hir seede.
1577. B. Googe, Heresbach’s Husb. (1586), 39 b. The female or firble Hempe is first pulled up, afterward the male or the carle, when his seede is ripe, is plucked up. (In mod. Trade and other Dicts.)
