Beech, s. A tree. Beechen, a. Consisting of the wood of the beech.
Beef, s. The flesh of black cattle prepared for food; an ox, bull, or cow.
Beer, s. Liquor made of malt and hops; a useful vehicle for tonics and cordials. When good it is an excellent restorative for a fatigued horse. Heated with spirits and ginger it relieves colic, gripes, &c.
Beet, s. The name of a plant.
Beetle, s. An insect distinguished by having hard cases, or sheaths, under which he folds his wings; a heavy mallet. Beetles flying about late in an evening often foretel a fine day on the morrow.—Foster.
Belladonna, s. Nightshade; a powerful narcotic.
Mr. Youatt considers this to have some prophylactic powers against rabies, but particularly when in union with the scutellaria, or skull-cap. He begins “with a drachm ball to a moderate-sized dog, containing two scruples of the scutellaria, and about two and a half grains of the belladonna, to be given night and morning: on the second week two balls are given; on the third, three; and this continued for six weeks.” The nightshade is also a general sedative.—The Horse.
Bellmetal, s. The metal of which bells are made.
Bellow, v. To make a noise as a bull; to make any loud and violent outcry.
Bellwether, s. A sheep which leads the flock with a bell hung on his neck.