Lewis & Short

esca, ae (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.).

  1. I. In gen.
    1. 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.
    2. B. Trop.: tun’ vetule, auriculis alienis colligis escas? Pers. 1, 22.
  2. II. In partic., bait for catching animals.
      1. 1. Lit., Plaut. As. 1, 3, 68; Mart. 4, 56; Petr. 3 fin.
      2. 2. Trop.: divine Plato escam malorum appellat voluptatem, Cic. de Sen. 13, 44.