Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Rabbit?

\Rab"bit\, n. [OE. abet, akin to OD. robbe, robbeken.] (Zo["o]l.) 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. Note: The common American rabbit ({L. sylvalica}) 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} (Zo["o]l.), 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}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) The northern chim[ae]ra ({Chim[ae]ra 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}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Daman}, and {Klipdas}. {Welsh rabbit}, a dish of which the chief constituents are toasted bread and toasted cheese, prepared in various ways. The name is said to be a corruption of {Welsh rare bit}, but perhaps it is merely a humorous designation.