Cowhage \Cow"hage\ (kou"h?j), n. [Cf. Hind. kaw[amc]nch, ko[=a]nch.] (Bot.) A leguminous climbing plant of the genus {Mucuna}, having crooked pods covered with sharp hairs, which stick to the fingers, causing intolerable itching. The spicul[ae] are sometimes used in medicine as a mechanical vermifuge. [Written also {couhage}, {cowage}, and {cowitch}.]