Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Gherkin
Gher′kin (gẽr′kĭn), n. [D. agurkje, a dim. akin to G. gurke, Dan. agurke; cf. Pol. ogórek, Bohem. okurka, LGr. ἀγγούριον watermelon, Ar. al-khiyār, Per. khiyār.]
1. (Bot.) A kind of small, prickly cucumber, much used for pickles.
2. (Zoöl.) See Sea gherkin.