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.
☞ 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.