n. & v.
n. (pl. same or beavers) 1 a any large amphibious broad-tailed rodent of the genus Castor, native to n. America, Europe, and Asia, and able to cut down trees and build dams. b its soft light-brown fur. c a hat of this. 2 (in full beaver cloth) a heavy woollen cloth like beaver fur. 3 (Beaver) a boy aged six or seven who is an affiliate member of the Scout Association.
v.intr. colloq. (usu. foll. by away) work hard. beaver lamb lamb's wool made to look like beaver fur. eager beaver colloq. an over-zealous person.
[ OE be(o)for f. Gmc ]