Welsh rabbit

Rabbit Rab"bit (r[a^]b"b[i^]t), n. [OE. rabet, akin to OD. robbe, robbeken.] (Zo["o]l.) 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. [1913 Webster]

Note: The common American rabbit ({Lepus sylvatica}) is similar but smaller. See {Cottontail}, and {Jack rabbit}, under 2d {Jack}. The larger species of Lepus are commonly called hares. See {Hare}. [1913 Webster]

{Angora rabbit} (Zo["o]l.), 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}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) The northern chim[ae]ra ({Chim[ae]ra 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}. (a) (Zo["o]l.) See {Daman}, and {Klipdas}. (b) the {pika}.

{Welsh rabbit}, a dish of which the chief constituents are melted cheese over toasted bread, flavored in various ways, as with ale, beer, milk, or spices. The name is popularly said to be a corruption of {Welsh rare bit}, but it is probably merely a humorous designation; -- also called {Welsh rarebit}. [1913 Webster]