■ noun
1》 a growth of hair on the chin and lower cheeks of a man's face.
↘an animal's growth or marking that is likened to a ~, such as the gills of an oyster.
↘a tuft of hairs or bristles on certain plants.
2》 N. Amer. informal a woman who accompanies a homosexual man as an escort to a social occasion.
■ verb boldly confront or challenge (someone formidable).
Derivatives
~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
OE, of W. Gmc origin.