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.
Phrases and idioms:
beaver lamb lamb's wool made to look like beaver fur. eager beaver colloq. an over-zealous person.
Etymology: OE be(o)for f. Gmc
2.
n. hist. the lower face-guard of a helmet.
Etymology: OF baviere bib f. baver slaver f. beve saliva f. Rmc
3.
n. sl. a bearded man.
Etymology: 20th c.: orig. uncert.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.