Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Rabbit
Rab′bit
(răb′bĭt)
, Noun.
[OE.
rabet
, akin to OD. robbe
, robbeken
.] (Zool.)
Any of the smaller species of the genus Lepus, especially the common European species (
Lepus cuniculus
), which is often kept as a pet, and has been introduced into many countries. It is remarkably prolific, and has become a pest in some parts of Australia and New Zealand. ☞ The common American rabbit (
Lepus sylvatica
) is similar but smaller. See Cottontail
, and Jack rabbit
, under 2d Jack
. The larger species of Lepus are commonly called hares. See Hare
. Angora rabbit
(Zool.)
, a variety of the domestic rabbit having long, soft fur.
– Rabbit burrow
, a hole in the earth made by rabbits for shelter and habitation.
– Rabbit fish
. (Zool.)
(a)
The northern chimaera (
. Chimaera monstrosa
)(b)
Any one of several species of plectognath fishes, as the bur fish, and puffer. The term is also locally applied to other fishes.
– Rabbits’ ears
. (Bot.)
See
– Cyclamen
. Rabbit warren
, a piece of ground appropriated to the breeding and preservation of rabbits.
Wright.
– Rock rabbit
. (a)
(Zool.)
(b)
the
– pika
. Welsh rabbit
, a dish of which the chief constituents are melted cheese over toasted bread, flavored in various ways, as with ale, beer, milk, or spices. The name is popularly said to be a corruption of
Welsh rare bit
, but it is probably merely a humorous designation; – also called Welsh rarebit
.Webster 1828 Edition
Rabbit
RAB'BIT
, n.A small quadruped of the genus Lepus, which feeds on grass or other herbage, and burrows in the earth. The rabbit is said to be less sagacious than the hare. It is a very prolific animal, and is kept in warrens for the sake of its flesh.