[L., a. Gr. ἀστράγαλος: see ASTRAGAL.]
1. Phys. The ball of the ankle-joint, the upper bone of the foot, on which the tibia rests.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg. Astragallus … is in maner as ye nut of a crosbow rounde on eche syde.
1696. Phillips, Astragal; ed. 1706, Astragalus.
1855. Holden, Hum. Osteol., 210. The astragalus is the keystone of the arch of the foot, and supports the whole weight of the body.
2. Bot. An extensive genus of leguminous plants, of which A. verus produces gum tragacanth, and three British species are known as Milk-vetch.
1548. Turner, Names of Herbs, 17. Astragalus … may be called in english peaserthnut.
1862. Bellew, Afghan., 199. Several varieties of astragalus and other leguminous plants.
