~ 1
■ noun
1》 a bird's horny projecting jaws; a bill.
↘a projecting jaw in some other animals.
2》 a projection at the prow of an ancient warship, used to pierce the hulls of enemy ships.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. bec , from L. beccus , of Celtic origin.
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~ 2
■ noun Brit. informal a magistrate or schoolmaster.
Origin
C18: prob. from criminals' sl.