A word as used in Scripture denoting produce in general, whether vegetable or animal. The Hebrews divided the fruits of the land into three classes:,

(1.) The fruit of the field, "corn-fruit" (Hebrews dagan); all kinds of grain and pulse.

(2.) The fruit of the vine, "vintage-fruit" (Hebrews tirosh); grapes, whether moist or dried.

(3.) "Orchard-fruits" (Hebrews yitshar), as dates, figs, citrons, etc.

Injunctions concerning offerings and tithes were expressed by these Hebrew terms alone (Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy 14:23). This word "fruit" is also used of children or offspring (Genesis 30:2; Deuteronomy 7:13; Luke 1:42; Psalm 21:10; 132:11); also of the progeny of beasts (Deuteronomy 28:51; Isaiah 14:29).

It is used metaphorically in a variety of forms (Psalm 104:13; Proverbs 1:31; 11:30; 31:16; Isaiah 3:10; 10:12; Matthew 3:8; 21:41; 26:29; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 7:4, 5; 15:28).

The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; James 3:17, 18) are those gracious dispositions and habits which the Spirit produces in those in whom he dwells and works.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) Whatever is produced for the nourishment or enjoyment of man or animals by the processes of vegetable growth, as corn, grass, cotton, flax, etc.; -- commonly used in the plural.

2. (n.) The pulpy, edible seed vessels of certain plants, especially those grown on branches above ground, as apples, oranges, grapes, melons, berries, etc.

3. (n.) The ripened ovary of a flowering plant, with its contents and whatever parts are consolidated with it.

4. (n.) The spore cases or conceptacles of flowerless plants, as of ferns, mosses, algae, etc., with the spores contained in them.

5. (n.) The produce of animals; offspring; young; as, the fruit of the womb, of the loins, of the body.

6. (v. t.) That which is produced; the effect or consequence of any action; advantageous or desirable product or result; disadvantageous or evil consequence or effect; as, the fruits of labor, of self-denial, of intemperance.

7. (v. i.) To bear fruit.