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The costard was a variety of apple popular in medieval England, and the second apple-variety (after the pearmain) introduced by the Normans. It was grown widely as a commercial crop by the 13th century and was supplied to the household of Edward I in 1292. It remained widespread for several hundred years, until other apple varieties gained popularity during the 17th century. It is thought to have been a cooking apple and was perhaps similar to the modern Bellflower apple. It is said[citation needed] to have been named for its resemblance to the human head (for which "costard" was another (later)[1] term).
- ^ "costard". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)