Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BEA'VER, n. [Sax. befor, biofor; Fr. bièvre; L. fiber; Ir. beabhar; Sw. bafwer; Dan. bæver; Ger. biber; D. bever; Russ. bobr; Pers. بَبِرْ‎‎ babir.]

1. An amphibious quadruped, of the genus Castor. It has short ears, a blunt nose, small fore feet, large hind feet, with a flat ovate tail. It is remarkable for its ingenuity in constructing its lodges or habitations, and from this animal is obtained the castor of the shops, which is taken from cods or bags in the groin. Its fur, which is mostly of a chestnut brown, is the material of the best hats.
2. The fur of the beaver, and a hat made of the fur; also, a part of a helmet that covers the face.