BEAVER

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. øbeaver lamb lamb's wool made to look like beaver fur. eager beaver colloq. an over-zealous person. [OE be(o)for f. Gmc]