[f. BEAST + -IE = -Y3.] A little animal; an endearing form of BEAST. (orig. Scotch.)
1785. Burns, To Mouse. Wee, sleekit, cowrin’, tim’rous beastie.
1864. D. Thompson, Daydreams, 229. Dogs … are religious beasties: but idolaters.
1880. Lady Barker, in Macm. Mag., 388. The sheep … are compact little beasties.
