Definition of the word haricot

The word "haricot" originated in the French language and refers to a type of legume, more specifically, the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The exact origin of the term "haricot" is uncertain, but it's believed to have been derived from the Old French word "ereticotes," which itself comes from the Latin word "phaselus," meaning "podded plant." The term "haricot" was introduced to English during the Middle English period (approximately 1100 to 1500 AD) through French trade and cultural exchange. The French know the bean as "haricots" (plural) and "haricot" (singular). Interestingly, the English borrowed the plural form and used it in their own language, resulting in the idiomatic phrase "a sack of haricots" meaning "a lot of beans." Over time, the English also adopted the word "bean" to describe the same legume in a more general sense. Today, "haricot" is still used in French-speaking regions around the world, particularly in North America, where it refers primarily to white or cream-colored beans, in contrast to kidney beans, which are coloured red.