n. & v.
--n.
1. any of various mammals of the family Leporidae, esp. Lepus europaeus, like a large rabbit, with tawny fur, long ears, short tail, and hind legs longer than forelegs, inhabiting fields, hills, etc.
2 (in full electric hare) a dummy hare propelled by electricity, used in greyhound racing.
--v.intr. run with great speed.
Phrases and idioms:
hare and hounds a paperchase. hare-brained rash, wild. hare's-foot (in full hare's-foot clover) a clover, Trifolium arvense, with soft hair around the flowers. run with the hare and hunt with the hounds try to remain on good terms with both sides. start a hare raise a topic of conversation.
Etymology: OE hara f. Gmc