Vigna Sinensis

Cowpea Cow"pea` (kou"p[=e]`), n. 1. 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. [1913 Webster]

2. (Bot.) A leguminous plant ({Vigna Sinensis}, syn. {Vigna 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. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]