Lucern \Lu"cern\, n. [Etymology uncertain.] [Obs.] 1. A sort of hunting dog; -- perhaps from Lucerne, in Switzerland.
My lucerns, too, or dogs inured to hunt Beasts of most rapine. --Chapman.
2. An animal whose fur was formerly much in request (by some supposed to be the lynx). [Written also {lusern} and {luzern}.]
The polecat, mastern, and the richskinned lucern I know to chase. --Beau. & Fl.
Lucern \Lu"cern\, n. [F. luzerne.] (Bot.) A leguminous plant ({Medicago sativa}), having bluish purple cloverlike flowers, cultivated for fodder; -- called also {alfalfa}. [Written also {lucerne}.]
Lucern \Lu"cern\, n. [L. lucerna.] A lamp. [Obs.] --Lydgate.