beaver

beaver

beaver¹ [bē′vər]

n.

[ME bever < OE beofor: for IE base see BEAR² ]

1.

a) pl. beavers or beaver any of a family (Castoridae) of large rodents with soft, brown fur, chisel-like teeth, webbed hind feet, and a flat, broad tail: they often gnaw trees down and build canals and dams to form beaver ponds in which they build dry, dome-shaped, island lodges having underwater entrances

b) its fur

2. a man's high silk hat, originally made of this fur

3. a heavy cloth of felted wool, used for overcoats, etc.

☆ 4. Slang the female genitals: often considered vulgar

adj.

☆ Slang designating or of a film, photograph, etc. in which the female genitals are exposed: often considered vulgar

vi.

☆ to work hard, constantly, conscientiously, etc.: usually with away

beaver² [bē′vər]

n.

[ME bavier < OFr baviere, beaver of a helmet, orig., bib < baver, to drivel < bave, saliva, foam]

1. a movable piece of armor on the lower part of a medieval helmet, for protecting the mouth and chin

2. later, the visor of a helmet: see ARMOR