I. ˈbi(ə)r, -iə noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English ber, from Old English bēor; akin to Old High German bior beer and perhaps to Old English bȳsting beastings — more at beastings
1. : a malted and hopped somewhat bitter alcoholic beverage ; specifically : such a beverage brewed by bottom fermentation — compare ale , bock beer , lager , porter
2. : a carbonated nonalcoholic or a fermented slightly alcoholic beverage with flavoring derived from roots and other plant parts — used chiefly in compounds; see birch beer , ginger beer , root beer , spruce beer
3. : fermented mash : wash
4. : a drink of beer
order a beer
II. noun
also bier “
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps from bier (I)
: one of the groups in weaving usually consisting of 40 threads into which the threads of the warp are divided ; also : the corresponding group of dents on the reed consisting usually of 20