barley: Meaning and Definition of

bar•ley

1. a widely distributed cereal plant belonging to the genus Hordeum, of the grass family, having awned flowers that grow in tightly bunched spikes, with three small additional spikes at each node.
2. the grain of this plant, used as food and in making beer, ale, and whiskey.

bar•ley

1. a truce or quarter, esp. in children's games; parley.