beaver Definition

beaver¹
noun

1. Either of two species of a large semi-aquatic squirrel-like rodent with soft dark-brown fur, large incisor teeth, webbed hind feet and a broad flat scaly tail. See also lodge noun 5.
2. Its valuable fur.
3. A hat made of beaver fur.
4. A boy belonging to the most junior branch of the Scout movement.

Form: Beaver
Form: Beaver Scout
(originally US)
5. coarse, slang
A woman's pubic region, especially the genitals.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon beofor.

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beaver²
verb

(chiefly Brit)
intr
beavered, beavering
1. colloq
To work very hard and persistently at something.
Form: beaver away at something (especially)

Etymology: 1940s: from beaver¹, referring to the way beavers work away felling trees, damming streams and building their lodges.