■ noun
1》 any of the fine thread-like strands growing from the skin of mammals and other animals, or from the epidermis of a plant.
↘~s collectively, especially those on a person's head.
2》 a very small quantity or extent.
Phrases
~ of the dog informal an alcoholic drink taken to cure a hangover. [from ~ of the dog that bit you , formerly recommended as an effective remedy for the bite of a mad dog.]
a ~'s breadth a very small margin.
in (or out of ) someone's ~ informal annoying (or ceasing to annoy) someone.
keep your ~ on! Brit. informal stay calm.
let one's ~ down informal behave uninhibitedly.
make someone's ~ stand on end alarm someone.
not turn a ~ remain apparently unmoved.
split ~s make overfine distinctions.
Derivatives
-~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
OE hr , of Gmc origin.