What is "lathyrus sativus"

Chichling \Chich"ling\, Chichling vetch \Chich"ling vetch`\, n. [Chich + -ling.] (Bot.) A leguminous plant ( Lathyrus sativus), with broad flattened seeds which are sometimes used for food.

Lathyrus sativus is a legume (family Fabaceae) commonly grown for human consumption and livestock feed in Asia and East Africa. It is a particularly important crop in areas that are prone to drought and famine, and is thought of as an 'insurance crop' as it produces reliable yields when all other crops fail. The seeds contain a neurotoxin that causes a neurodegenerative disease when the seeds are consumed as a primary protein source for a prolonged period.