What is "jequirity bean"

Jequirity \Je*quir"i*ty\, n., or Jequirity bean \Je*quir"i*ty bean`\ [Prob. fr. a native name.] (Bot.) The seed of the wild licorice ( Abrus precatorius) used by the people of India for beads in rosaries and necklaces, as a standard weight, etc.; -- called also jumble bead.

n. A poisonous bean, produced by the jequirity plant (''Abrus precatorius'') and used for making jewelry and percussion instruments.