Lepus Americanus

Hare Hare, n. [AS. hara; akin to D. haas, G. hase, OHG. haso, Dan. & Sw. hare, Icel. h[=e]ri, Skr. [,c]a[,c]a. [root]226.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Zo["o]l.) 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. [1913 Webster]

Note: The species of hares are numerous. The common European hare is {Lepus timidus}. The northern or varying hare of America ({Lepus Americanus}), and the prairie hare ({Lepus campestris}), turn white in winter. In America, the various species of hares are commonly called {rabbits}. [1913 Webster]

2. (Astron.) A small constellation situated south of and under the foot of Orion; Lepus. [1913 Webster]

{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} (Zo["o]l.), 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}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Jumping}.

{Little chief hare}, or {Crying hare}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Chief hare}.

{Sea hare}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Aplysia}. [1913 Webster]