/bee"cheuhr/ , n.
1. Catharine Esther , 1800-78, U.S. educator: advocated educational rights for women.
2. Edward , 1803-95, U.S. clergyman, educator, and abolitionist.
3. Henry Ward , 1813-87, U.S. preacher and writer.
4. Lyman , 1775-1863, U.S. preacher and theologian (father of Catharine Esther Beecher, Edward Beecher, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Henry Ward Beecher).