\Rab"bit\, n. [OE. abet, 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.
Note: The common American rabbit ({L. sylvalica}) is similar
      but smaller. See {Cottontail}, and {Jack rabbit}, under
      2d {Jack}. The larger species of Lepus are commonly
      called hares. See {Hare}.
{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}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Daman}, and {Klipdas}.
{Welsh rabbit}, a dish of which the chief constituents are
   toasted bread and toasted cheese, prepared in various
   ways. The name is said to be a corruption of {Welsh rare
   bit}, but perhaps it is merely a humorous designation.