1. barley - Noun
2. Barley - Proper noun
A valuable grain, of the family of grasses, genus Hordeum, used for food, and for making malt, from which are prepared beer, ale, and whisky.
Source: Webster's dictionaryOn either side the river lie; Long fields of barley and of rye, That clothe the wold and meet the sky; And thro' the field the road runs by; To many-tower'd Camelot. Alfred, Lord Tennyson
For drink, there was beer which was very strong when not mingled with water, but was agreeable to those who were used to it. They drank this with a reed, out of the vessel that held the beer, upon which they saw the barley swim. Xenophon
Well, God knows he don't need any brains to buck barley bags. But don't you try to put nothing over, Milton. I got my eye on you. John Steinbeck
Who sows barley cannot reap wheat. Persian Proverb
It is safe to lend barley to him who has oats. Danish Proverb
He who is frightened of a sparrow will never sow barley. Russian Proverb