béquer

An old form, the historical root behind becqueter/béqueter — originally a falconry term for a hawk striking prey with its beak, later broadened to any bird pecking. Essentially obsolete today, replaced by becqueter.

• Le faucon béquait sa proie. — The falcon was striking its prey with its beak.
• L'oiseau béquait le grain avec avidité. — The bird was pecking greedily at the grain.
• Dans les vieux textes, on dit que l'aigle béque sa capture. — In old texts, it's said the eagle strikes its catch with its beak.

You won't need this form in modern French — becqueter (or béqueter) is what a dictionary and native speakers actually use today.

Often confused with becqueter.