Cowpea \Cow"pea`\, n. (Bot.) A leguminous plant (Vigna Sinensis, syn. V. Catjang) found throughout the tropics of the Old World. It is extensively cultivated in the Southern United States for fodder, and the seed is used as food for man.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Cowpea \Cow"pea`\ (-p[=e]`), n. The seed of one or more leguminous plants of the genus Dolichos; also, the plant itself. Many varieties are cultivated in the southern part of the United States.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)