1. A spiny shrub or small tree of the legume family, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, bearing pods used as food and for making charcoal.
Usage: Also spelled mesquite (more common modern spelling); Regional: southwestern U.S., Mexico

Examples

• The mezquit tree thrives in arid desert regions.
• Ranchers used mezquit wood for fuel and fencing.
• The pods of the mezquit plant were ground into flour by indigenous peoples.
• Mezquit charcoal produces a distinctive flavor when used in grilling.