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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |