Hare , n. [AS. hara; akin to D. haas, G. hase, OHG. haso, Dan. & Sw. hare, Icel. hēri, Skr. çaça. √226.]
1. (Zoöl.) 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.
&fist; The species of hares are numerous. The common European hare is Lepus timidus. 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 (Zoöl.),
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.
(Zoöl.) See under Jumping. --
Little chief hare, or Crying hare. (Zoöl.) See Chief hare. - - Sea hare. (Zoöl.) See Aplysia.
Hare (hâr),
v. t. [Cf. Harry, Harass.]
To excite; to tease, harass, or worry; to harry. [Obs.] Locke.
Hear it pronounced