subs. (venery).—The female pubic hair: see FLEECE. Hence BEARD-SPLITTER = (1) the penis: see PRICK; and (2) ‘an enjoyer of women’ (B. E.); a womanizer, a MOLROWER (q.v.).

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  d. 1640.  DRUMMOND OF HAWTHORNDEN, [CHALMERS, English Poets, V. 695], ‘Epigrams’ xii.

        She should just penance suffer for that wrong;
For when time should on her more years bestow,
That horse’s hair between her thighs should grow….
But, that this phrenzy should no more her vex,
She swore thus BEARDED were their weaker sex.

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  See GREYBEARD.

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  PHRASES.—IN SPITE OF ONE’S BEARD = in opposition or defiance to a purpose; TO ONE’S BEARD = openly; to one’s face; TO RUN IN ONE’S BEARD = to oppose openly; face out; TO TAKE BY THE BEARD = to attack resolutely; TO MAKE (or PLAY WITH) ONE’S BEARD = to outwit; delude; TO MAKE ONE’S BEARD WITHOUT A RAZOR = to behead; TO PUT AGAINST THE BEARD = to taunt.

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  [?]  M. S. Laud., 622. f. 65.

        Mery it is in the halle,
When BERDES wagg alle.

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  1566.  EDWARDS, Damon and Pithias [NARES].

        Yet have I PLAYED WITH HIS BEARD in knitting this knot,
I promist friendship, but … I meant it not.

6

  1809.  MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 168. There is nothing like taking scandal BY THE BEARD.

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