[Fr., dim. of auberge, variant of alberge ‘a kind of peach’ (Littré), ad. Sp. alberchigo, alverchiga, ‘an apricocke’ (Minsheu, 1623).] The fruit of the Egg-plant, Solanum esculentum, resembling a goose’s egg in size and shape, and usually of purple color; also called Brinjal.
1794. Stedman, Surinam (1813), I. xii. 320. The aubergines are a species of fruit which grows in the shape of a cucumber.
1811. Monthly Mag., XXXII. 258. The tomato, the aubergine, and several other culinary plants.
1883. St. James’s Gaz., 20 Dec., 5/2. I wonder also that the aubergine did not remind him of another kitchen fruit.
