n.
Pronunciation: ' b ē -v ə r
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural beavers
Etymology: Middle English bever, from Old English beofor; akin to Old High German bibar beaver, and probably to Old English br ū n brown ― more at BROWN
Date: before 12th century
1 or plural beaver a : either of two large semiaquatic herbivorous rodents comprising a family (Castoridae including Castor canadensis of No. America and C. fiber of Eurasia), having webbed hind feet and a broad flat scaly tail, and constructing dams and partially submerged lodges b : the fur or pelt of the beaver
2 a : a hat made of beaver fur or a fabric imitation b : SILK HAT
3 : a heavy fabric of felted wool or of cotton napped on both sides
4 usually vulgar : the pudenda of a woman