beech mast

the edible nuts of the beech, especially when lying on the ground.

Origin of beech mast

First recorded in 1570–80

Beech-mast rather increased than appeased his hunger; and nothing came in view that could be shot.

Cedar Creek |Elizabeth Hely Walshe
Its chief food is the beech-mast; but it also lives on acorns, and grain of all sorts—especially rice.

The Western World |W.H.G. Kingston
The pigeons came only when there was beech-mast in the woods.

Ways of Nature |John Burroughs
These stores consist of nuts, beech-mast, acorns, and the creeping underground stems of the horsetails.

Animal Life of the British Isles |Edward Step

Hogs eat acorns and beech-mast greedily, and so far thrive on this food that it is an easy matter to fatten them afterwards.

Sheep, Swine, and Poultry |Robert Jennings