[app. Sp. or Pg., dim. of coca shell: cf. F. coquille shell of nuts, almonds, etc.; cf. COQUILLO.] In Coquilla-nut, the nut of the Brazilian palm-tree, Attalea funifera, the thick hard shell of which is much used by turners.
1851. E. Forbes, Veg. World, II. in Art Jrnl. Illustr. Cat. The Coquilla nut of commerce, so much used for similar purposes with the vegetable ivory, and especially for the handles of canes and umbrellas.
1869. Oliver, Elem. Bot., II. 254. Coquilla nuts…. The endocarp is the part used by turners to make toys and trinkets.
