The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Chick-pea \Chick"-pea`\ (-p[=e]`), n. [See Chich.]
   1. (Bot.) A Small leguminous plant (Cicer arietinum) of
      Asia, Africa, and the south of Europe; the chich; the
      dwarf pea; the gram.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Its nutritious seed, used in cookery, and especially, when
      roasted (parched pulse), as food for travelers in the
      Eastern deserts.
      [1913 Webster]