A species of hickory.
1773. [Virginia.] The timber, Bois Connu, or Paccan, Maple, Ash, Button Wood, &c.—P. Kennedy, ‘Journal,’ p. 52. (N.E.D.).
1786. [I wish you] to procure me two or three hundred paccan nuts from the Western country.—Thomas Jefferson to F. Hopkinson, Jan. 3, from Paris.
1795. A bundle of Pekan, or Illinois nuts is also sent; which desire the gardener to plant.—Geo. Washington to Mr. Pearce, May 24: ‘Memoirs of the Long Island Historical Society’ (1889), iv. 187.
1812. The peccanne, is found on the low grounds, where it grows to most perfection; it is a large tree resembling somewhat the hickory, but has a more delicate leaf, its branches are more numerous and spreading, and it is in every respect a more beautiful tree.—H. M. Brackenridge, ‘Views of Louisiana,’ p. 61 (1814). (N.E.D.).
1816. The general growth of timber above the Little river of the north, is paccan, and some other species of hickory; oak of different species, and some pine and cedar.—W. Darby, ‘Louisiana,’ p. 54.
1817. The pecan, or Illinois nut, is a kind of walnut, but very different from all other species, both in the form and texture of its shell, which is so thin as to be cracked between the teeth.—John Bradbury, ‘Travels,’ pp. 260–1.
1847. We meet the peccan and other trees, among them the black-jack, which is the first I have seen.—‘Life of Benjamin Lundy,’ p. 39 (Phila.).
