Defn: A bright star of the first magnitude, near one shoulder of
Orion. [Written also Betelgeux and Betelgeuse.]

BETEL NUT
Be"tel nut`.

Defn: The nutlike seed of the areca palm, chewed in the East with betel leaves (whence its name) and shell lime.

BETE NOIRE
Bête" noire". Etym: [Fr., lit. black beast.]

Defn: Something especially hated or dreaded; a bugbear.

BETHABARA WOOD
Beth*ab"a*ra wood`. (Bot.)

Defn: A highly elastic wood, used for fishing rods, etc. The tree is unknown, but it is thought to be East Indian.

BETHEL
Beth"el, n. Etym: [Heb. b house of God.]

1. A place of worship; a hallowed spot. S. F. Adams.

2. A chapel for dissenters. [Eng.]