[f. BUN sb.4 + -Y.]
1. a. A pet name for a rabbit. † b. A term of endearment applied to women and children (obs.).
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Bunny, a Rabbit.
1719. D’Urfey, Pills, IV. 74. Downy as any Bunny.
1863. Fr. A. Kemble, Resid. in Georgia, 258. Rabbits … slightly different from our English bunnies.
1873. G. C. Davies, Mount. & Mere, vi. 46. Bunny gave a flick of his white tail.
1606. Wily Beguil., in Hazl., Dodsley, IX. 252. Sweet Peg … my honey, my bunny, my duck, my dear.
1691. Ray, S. & E. Country Wds., Bunny is also used as a flattering word to children.
2. Bunny Mouth: the Common Snapdragon. Antirrhinum majus. Also called Rabbit’s Mouth.
1846. Sowerby, Eng. Bot. (1866), VI. 131
1847–78. in Halliwell.
