erˈgotize or erˈgotise intransitive verb

To wrangle (see also ergot)

ergot /ûrˈgot/

1. A disease of grasses (esp rye) and sedges due to Claviceps purpurea
2. A seed so diseased
3. The fungus that produces this disease, now an important source of alkaloid drugs
4. The horny protuberance on a horse's fetlocks

ergosˈterol noun

An unsaturated sterol obtained from ergot

ergotamine /ûr-gotˈə-mēn/ noun

An alkaloid derived from ergot, used to treat migraine

erˈgotism noun

Poisoning caused by eating bread made of rye diseased with ergot

erˈgotize or erˈgotise transitive verb

To affect with ergot or with ergotism (see also ergo)