The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Butternut \But"ter*nut`\, n. 1. (Bot.) An American tree (Juglans cinerea) of the Walnut family, and its edible fruit; -- so called from the oil contained in the latter. Sometimes called oil nut and white walnut. [1913 Webster] 2. (Bot.) The nut of the Caryocar butyrosum and Caryocar nuciferum, of S. America; -- called also Souari nut. [1913 Webster]