alpiste
/ˈalpɪst/ /alˈpiːst/(also alpist) Now rare
noun
More fully alpiste seed. The seed of the canary grass, Phalaris canariensis, fed to cage birds; (occasionally also) any of several other grass seeds of similar appearance or use.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in John Gerard (c1545–1612), herbalist. From French alpiste from Spanish alpiste from Spanish Arabic al-bišṭ from al the + bišṭ seed of the canary grass from post-classical Latin pistum (636 in Isidore), probably a specific use of classical Latin pistum.