The Collaborative International Dictionary
dog-headed boa
Boa \Bo"a\ (b[=o]"[.a]), n.; pl. Boas. [L. boa a kind of water serpent. Perh. fr. bos an ox.]
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(Zo["o]l.) A genus of large American serpents, including the boa constrictor, the emperor boa of Mexico ( Boa imperator), and the chevalier boa of Peru ( Boa eques).
Note: The name is also applied to related genera; as, the dog-headed boa ( Xiphosoma caninum).
A long, round fur tippet; -- so called from its resemblance in shape to the boa constrictor.