I.gen. sing. escas, Liv. Andron. ap. Prisc. p. 679 P.), f. for edca, v. esco, and edo; cf. Varr. L. L. 6, § 84 Müll., food, both of men and beasts (class.; cf.: victus, cibus, cibaria, alimenta, edulia, opsonium, pulmentum; epulae, daps, etc.).
I. In gen.
A. Lit.: “dii nec escis aut potionibus vescuntur,” Cic. N. D. 2, 28; id. Div. 1, 51; id. Fin. 2, 28; Plaut. Men. 1, 1, 12; id. Most. 3, 2, 2; id. Mil. 2, 6, 98; Verg. G. 4, 17; Hor. S. 2, 2, 72 et saep.—In plur., Plaut. Cas. 2, 8, 56; id. Men. 3, 1, 10; id. Ps. 3, 2, 41; id. Truc. 2, 7, 48; Verg. A. 12, 475; Plin. 9, 47, 71, § 154.—
II. In partic., bait for catching animals.