E. Cobham Brewer 1810-1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.

Bean Goose:

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.

"Esp?ce d'oie dont les mandibules sont taill?es en forme de f?veroles."-Royal Dictionnaire.

Jim McGough, Seattle
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