| beaver | 1. <zoology> An amphibious rodent, of the genus Castor. It has palmated hind feet, and a broad, flat tail. It is remarkable for its ingenuity in constructing its valued for its fur, and for the material called castor, obtained from two small bags in the groin of the animal. The European species is Castor fibre, and the American is generally considered a variety of this, although sometimes called Castor Canadensis. 2. The fur of the beaver. 3. A hat, formerly made of the fur of the beaver, but now usually of silk. "A brown beaver slouched over his eyes." (Prescott) 4. Beaver cloth, a heavy felted woolen cloth, used chiefly for making overcoats. <zoology> Beaver rat, an aquatic ratlike quadruped of Tasmania (Hydromys chrysogaster). Beaver skin, the furry skin of the beaver. Bank beaver. See 1st Bank. Origin: OE. Bever, AS. Beofer, befer; akin to D. Bever, OHG. Bibar, G. Biber, Sw. Bafver, Dan. Baever, Lith. Bebru, Russ. Bobr', Gael. Beabhar, Corn. Befer, L. Fibre, and Skr. Babhrus large ichneumon; also as an adj, brown, the animal being probably named from its colour. 253. See Brown. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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