Boa \Bo"a\ (b[=o]"[.a]), n.; pl. {Boas}. [L. boa a kind of water
serpent. Perh. fr. bos an ox.]
1. (Zool.) 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}).
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Note: The name is also applied to related genera; as, the
{dog-headed boa} ({Xiphosoma caninum}).
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2. A long, round fur tippet; -- so called from its
resemblance in shape to the boa constrictor.
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