What does lathyrus mean in Latin?

Lathyrus is a Latin word that refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as vetchlings or peas. Derived from ancient Greek, the etymology of the term is uncertain, but some sources suggest it might be related to the Greek word "lothos," which means "fodder" or "pasture," implying the plants' significance as forage or food for animals.