What is "angora rabbit"

Rabbit \Rab"bit\ (r[a^]b"b[i^]t), n. [OE. rabet, akin to OD. robbe, robbeken.] (Zo["o]l.) Any of the smaller species of the genus Lepus, especially the common European species ( Lepus cuniculus), which is often kept as a pet, and has been introduced into many countries. It is remarkably prolific, and has become a pest in some parts of Australia and New Zealand. Note: The common American rabbit ( Lepus sylvatica) is similar but smaller. See Cottontail, and Jack rabbit, under 2d Jack. The larger species of Lepus are commonly called hares. See Hare. Angora rabbit (Zo["o]l.), a variety of the domestic rabbit having long, soft fur. Rabbit burrow, a hole in the earth made by rabbits for shelter and habitation. Rabbit fish. (Zo["o]l.)

1. The northern chim[ae]ra ( Chim[ae]ra monstrosa).

2. Any one of several species of plectognath fishes, as the bur fish, and puffer. The term is also locally applied to other fishes. Rabbits' ears. (Bot.) See Cyclamen. Rabbit warren, a piece of ground appropriated to the breeding and preservation of rabbits. --Wright. Rock rabbit.

   1. (Zo["o]l.) See Daman, and Klipdas.

   2. the pika.

      Welsh rabbit, a dish of which the chief constituents are melted cheese over toasted bread, flavored in various ways, as with ale, beer, milk, or spices. The name is popularly said to be a corruption of Welsh rare bit, but it is probably merely a humorous designation; -- also called Welsh rarebit.

The Angora rabbit is a variety of domestic rabbit bred for its long, soft wool. The Angora is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara (historically known as Angora), present day Turkey, along with the Angora cat and Angora goat. The rabbits were popular pets with French royalty in the mid-18th century, and spread to other parts of Europe by the end of the century. They first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century. They are bred largely for their long Angora wool, which may be removed by shearing, combing, or plucking. There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbits, four of which are recognized by American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA); they are English, French, Giant, and Satin. Other breeds include German, Chinese, Swiss, Finnish, Korean, and St. Lucian.