What does "whisker" mean?

Whisker: Formerly, the hair of the upper lip; a mustache; -- usually in the plural. Hoary whiskers and a forky beard. Pope.

Additional senses

  1. 2.pl. That part of the beard which grows upon the sides of the face, or upon the chin, or upon both; as, side whiskers; chin whiskers.
  2. 3.A hair of the beard.
  3. 4.One of the long, projecting hairs growing at the sides of the mouth of a cat, or other animal.
  4. 5.pl. (Naut.) Iron rods extending on either side of the bowsprit, to spread, or guy out, the stays, etc.

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