▪ I. eaver1 Obs. exc. dial.
(ˈiːvə(r))
Also ever.
[Of unknown origin; some have suggested adoption of F. ivraie darnel, Lolium temulentum; the forms of the Eng. word, however, seem to forbid this.]
Rye grass (Lolium perenne).
1732 De Foe Tour Gt. Brit. (1769) I. 359 Clover, Eaver, and Trefoil Grass. 1796 W. Marshall West of Eng. Gloss. Eaver, lolium perenne, ray-grass. 1880 East Cornwall Gloss. (E.D.S.) Eaver, in some parts pronounced Hayver. The grass, Lolium perenne. |
▪ II. eaver2 dial.
(ˈiːvə(r))
Also 7 eever, 9 ether.
A provincial term for the direction of the wind; a quarter of the heavens. (Adm. Smyth.)
1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk. 1875 Lanc. Gloss. (E.D.S.) Eaver (sometimes Ether)..The wind is in a rainy eaver. |
▪ III. eaver
obs. Sc. var. of aver.
1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 72 Great number of eavers or beasts. |
▪ IV. eaver
var. of ever, Obs., wild boar.