Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Lentil \Len"til\ (l[e^]n"t[i^]l), n. [F. lentille, fr. L.
   lenticula, dim. of lens, lentis, lentil. Cf. {Lens}.] (Bot.)
   A leguminous plant of the genus {Ervum} ({Ervum Lens}), of
   small size, common in the fields in Europe. Also, its seed,
   which is used for food on the continent.

   Note: The lentil of the Scriptures probably included several
         other vetchlike plants.

   {Lentil shell} (Zo["o]l.), a small bivalve shell of the genus
      {Ervillia}, family {Tellinid[ae]}.