E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bean Goose (The).
A migratory bird which appears in England in the autumn of the year, and is so named from a mark on its bill like a horsebean. It is next in size to the Grey Lag-goose. The term comes from the northern counties where the bean (goose) is common.
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“Espèce d’oie dont les mandibules sont taillées en forme de féveroles.”—Royal Dictionnaire.
