noun

1. 1. pl. beavers -·vers or beaver -·ver any of a family (Castoridae) of large rodents with soft, brown fur, chisel-like teeth, webbed hind feet, and a flat, broad tail: they often gnaw trees down and build canals and dams to form beaver ponds in which they build dry, dome-shaped, island lodges having underwater entrances
   2. its fur
2. a man's high silk hat, originally made of this fur
3. a heavy cloth of felted wool, used for overcoats, etc.
4. ☆ Slang the female genitals: often considered vulgar

Etymology: ME bever < OE beofor: for IE base see bear

adjective

intransitive verb

noun

1. a movable piece of armor on the lower part of a medieval helmet, for protecting the mouth and chin
2. later, the visor of a helmet

Etymology: ME bavier < OFr baviere, beaver of a helmet, orig., bib < baver, to drivel < bave, saliva, foam