pignut

plural pignuts · alternative pig-nut

1. The edible tuber of Conopodium majus, native to western Europe.

   I prithee, let me bring thee where crabs grow; And I with my long nails will dig thee pig-nuts;

   1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]

   1 more example

   Justus partially overcame their scruples against work, and taught them that the black earth was rich in other produce than pignuts only.

   1888, Rudyard Kipling, “The Judgement of Dungara”, in Black and White, volume 1, Folio Society, published 2004, page 382

2. USAny of various types of hickory or their fruits; a hognut.
3. Simmondsia chinensis, jojoba.
4. Pelleted food for pigs.

   The standard feed for Pigs is the “Pig Nut” – which comes in either a large or a small pellet which contains all the nutrients that they need.

   (Can we date this quote?), (Please provide the book title or journal name)