Rab"bit (rab"bit), n. [OE. rabet, akin to OD. robbe, robbeken.] (Zoöl.)
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.
⇒ The common American rabbit (L. sylvatica) 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 (Zoöl.), 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. (Zoöl.)
(a) The northern chimæra (Chimæra 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. --
Rabbit warren, a piece of ground appropriated to the breeding and preservation of rabbits. Wright. --
Rock rabbit. (Zoöl.) See Daman, and Klipdas. --
Welsh rabbit, a dish of which the chief constituents are toasted bread and toasted cheese, prepared in various ways. The name is said to be a corruption of Welsh rare bit, but perhaps it is merely a humorous designation.
© Webster 1913