n. 1 any large forest tree of the genus Fagus, having smooth grey bark and glossy leaves. 2 (also beechwood) its wood. 3 Austral. any of various similar trees in Australia. beech-fern a fern, Thelypteris phagopteris, found in damp woods. beech-marten a white-breasted marten, Martes foina, of S. Europe and Asia. beechy adj.
[ OE bece f. Gmc ]