GRAIN (5)

Grain (grān), n. [[See Groin a part of the body.]] 1. 1. A branch of a tree; a stalk or stem of a plant. G. Douglas.
2. 2. A tine, prong, or fork. Specifically: (a) One the branches of a valley or of a river. (b) pl. An iron fish spear or harpoon, having four or more barbed points.
3. 3. A blade of a sword, knife, etc.
4. 4. (Founding) A thin piece of metal, used in a mold to steady a core.