The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Noyau \Noy`au"\, n. [F., prop., the stone or nut of a fruit, fr.
   L. nucalis like a nut. See Newel a post.]
   A cordial of brandy, etc., flavored with the kernel of the
   bitter almond, or of the peach stone, etc.
   [1913 Webster]