pecan

n. [ Cf. F. pacane the nut. ] (Bot.) A species of hickory (Carya olivæformis), growing in North America, chiefly in the Mississippi valley and in Texas, where it is one of the largest of forest trees; also, its fruit, a smooth, oblong nut, an inch or an inch and a half long, with a thin shell and well-flavored meat. [ Written also pacane. ] [ 1913 Webster ]