■ noun
1》 the flesh of a cow, bull, or ox, used as food.
↘( plural beeves bi:vz ) Farming a cow, bull, or ox fattened for its meat.
2》 informal flesh with well-developed muscle.
↘strength or power.
↘the substance of a matter.
3》 ( plural ~s ) informal a complaint or grievance.
■ verb informal
1》 ( ~ something up ) give something more substance or strength.
2》 complain.
Origin
ME: from OFr. boef , from L. bos , bov- 'ox'.