rabbits

1 definition found

rabbits - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Hare \Hare\, n. [AS. hara; akin to D. haas, G. hase, OHG. haso,
     Dan. & Sw. hare, Icel. h[=e]ri, Skr. [,c]a[,c]a. [root]226.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. (Zool.) A rodent of the genus Lepus, having long hind
        legs, a short tail, and a divided upper lip. It is a timid
        animal, moves swiftly by leaps, and is remarkable for its
        fecundity.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The species of hares are numerous. The common European
           hare is Lepus timidus. The northern or varying hare
           of America (Lepus Americanus), and the prairie hare
           (Lepus campestris), turn white in winter. In America,
           the various species of hares are commonly called
           rabbits.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Astron.) A small constellation situated south of and
        under the foot of Orion; Lepus.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Hare and hounds, a game played by men and boys, two, called
        hares, having a few minutes' start, and scattering bits of
        paper to indicate their course, being chased by the
        others, called the hounds, through a wide circuit.
  
     Hare kangaroo (Zool.), a small Australian kangaroo
        (Lagorchestes Leporoides), resembling the hare in size
        and color,
  
     Hare's lettuce (Bot.), a plant of the genus Sonchus, or
        sow thistle; -- so called because hares are said to eat it
        when fainting with heat. --Dr. Prior.
  
     Jumping hare. (Zool.) See under Jumping.
  
     Little chief hare, or Crying hare. (Zool.) See Chief  hare
        .
  
     Sea hare. (Zool.) See Aplysia.
        [1913 Webster]