The Collaborative International Dictionary
Medlar \Med"lar\, n. [OE. medler medlar tree, OF. meslier, F. n['e]flier, L. mespilum, mespilus, Gr. ?, ?. Cf. Naseberry.] A tree of the genus Mespilus ( Mespilus Germanica); also, the fruit of the tree. The fruit is something like a small apple, but has a bony endocarp. When first gathered the flesh is hard and austere, and it is not eaten until it has begun to decay.
Japan medlar (Bot.), the loquat. See Loquat.
Neapolitan medlar (Bot.), a kind of thorn tree ( Crat[ae]gus Azarolus); also, its fruit.
Wikipedia
Mespilus germanica, known as the medlar or common medlar, is a large shrub or small tree, and the name of the fruit of this tree. The fruit has been cultivated since Roman times, and is unusual in being available in winter, and in being eaten when bletted. It is eaten raw and in a range of dishes. When the genus Mespilus is included in the genus Crataegus, the correct name for this species is Crataegus germanica Kuntze.