BEARD (2)

beard (2). Beard, v.t. to pull by the beard, oppose, take off

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Beard (bērd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bearded; p. pr. & vb. n. Bearding.] 1. 1. To take by the beard; to seize, pluck, or pull the beard of (a man), in anger or contempt.
2. 2. To oppose to the face; to set at defiance.
No admiral, bearded by these corrupt and dissolute minions of the palace, dared to do more than mutter something about a court martial. Macaulay. 3. 3. To deprive of the gills; — used only of oysters and similar shellfish.