Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Chess \Chess\, n. (Bot.)
   A species of brome grass ({Bromus secalinus}) which is a
   troublesome weed in wheat fields, and is often erroneously
   regarded as degenerate or changed wheat; it bears a very
   slight resemblance to oats, and if reaped and ground up with
   wheat, so as to be used for food, is said to produce narcotic
   effects; -- called also {cheat} and {Willard's bromus}. [U.
   S.]

   Note: Other species of brome grass are called upright chess,
         soft chess, etc.