Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Medlar \Med"lar\, n. [OE. medler medlar tree, OF. meslier, F.
   n['e]flier, L. mespilum, mespilus, Gr. ?, ?. Cf.
   {Naseberry}.]
   A tree of the genus {Mespilus} ({M. Germanica}); also, the
   fruit of the tree. The fruit is something like a small apple,
   but has a bony endocarp. When first gathered the flesh is
   hard and austere, and it is not eaten until it has begun to
   decay.

   {Japan medlar} (Bot.), the loquat. See {Loquat}.

   {Neapolitan medlar} (Bot.), a kind of thorn tree
      ({Crat[ae]gus Azarolus}); also, its fruit.