from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fang \Fang\, n. [From {Fang}, v. t.; cf. AS. fang a taking,
booty, G. fang.]
1. (Zool.) The tusk of an animal, by which the prey is seized
and held or torn; a long pointed tooth; esp., one of the
usually erectile, venomous teeth of serpents. Also, one of
the falcers of a spider.
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Since I am a dog, beware my fangs. --Shak.
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2. Any shoot or other thing by which hold is taken.
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The protuberant fangs of the yucca. --Evelyn.
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3. (Anat.) The root, or one of the branches of the root, of a
tooth. See {Tooth}.
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4. (Mining) A niche in the side of an adit or shaft, for an
air course. --Knight.
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5. (Mech.) A projecting tooth or prong, as in a part of a
lock, or the plate of a belt clamp, or the end of a tool,
as a chisel, where it enters the handle.
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6. (Naut.)
(a) The valve of a pump box.
(b) A bend or loop of a rope.
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{In a fang}, fast entangled.
{To lose the fang}, said of a pump when the water has gone
out; hence:
{To fang a pump}, to supply it with the water necessary to
make it operate. [Scot.]
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