Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
(Heb. ‘adashim), a species of vetch (Gen. 25:34; 2 Sam. 23:11), common in Syria under the name addas. The red pottage made by Jacob was of lentils (Gen. 25:29-34). They were among the provisions brought to David when he fled from Absalom (2 Sam. 17:28). It is the Ervum lens of Linnaeus, a leguminous plant which produces a fruit resembling a bean.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
LEN'TILES (Ervum lens), a cultivated plant, smaller than the garden pea, but of the same family. In the markets of Palestine red lentiles are still sold as the best variety, and from them a pottage is made which Dr. Robinson Lentiles. ) and others who have eaten it affirm would be a savory meal for a weary hunter. Gen 25:29-30. The "piece of ground full of lentiles," 2 Sam 23:11, is still common in the Holy Land, and the poor not infrequently make lentiles into bread. Eze 4:9. This pulse is much used in Roman Catholic countries during Lent, and from it the name Leopard.
) of the season is said to be derived. As a crop it is cut and threshed like wheat.