Hare \Hare\, n. [AS. hara; akin to D. haas, G. hase, OHG. haso,
Dan. [ae] Sw. hare, Icel. h?ri, Skr. ?a?a. ?.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) 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.
Note: The species of hares are numerous. The common European
hare is Lepustimidus. The northern or varying hare of
America (L. Americanus), and the prairie hare (L.
campestris), turn white in winter. In America, the
various species of hares are commonly called rabbits.
2. (Astron.) A small constellation situated south of and
under the foot of Orion; Lepus.
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 (Zo["o]l.)., 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. (Zo["o]l.) See under Jumping.
Little chief hare, or Crying hare. (Zo["o]l.) See Chief
hare.
Sea hare. (Zo["o]l.) See Aplysia.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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