~ 1
■ noun ( plural same or ~s )
1》 a large semiaquatic broad-tailed rodent, noted for its habit of gnawing through trees to fell them in order to make lodges and dams. [ Castor canadensis (N. America) and C. fiber (Eurasia).]
↘the soft light brown fur of the ~.
↘(also ~ hat ) chiefly historical a hat made of felted ~ fur.
↘(also ~ cloth ) a heavy woollen cloth resembling felted ~ fur.
2》 a very hard-working person.
3》 ( Beaver ) a boy aged about 6 or 7 who is an affiliated member of the Scout Association.
■ verb (usu. ~ away ) informal work hard.
Origin
OE beofor , befor , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun the lower part of the face guard of a helmet in a suit of armour.
Origin
C15: from OFr. baviere 'bib', from baver 'slaver'.
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~ 3
■ noun
1》 vulgar slang, chiefly N. Amer. a woman's genitals or pubic area.
2》 Brit. informal, dated a bearded man.
Origin
early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.