BEAST, n. L. bestia. See Boisterous.
1. Any four footed animal, which may be used for labor, food or sport distinguished from fowls, insects, fishes and man as beasts of burden, beasts of the chase, beasts of the forest. It is usually applied to large animals.
2. Opposed to man, it signifies any irrational animal, as in the phrase "man and beast." So wild beast.
3. Figuratively, a brutal man a person rude, coarse, filthy, or acting in a manner unworthy of a rational creature.
4. A game at cards. Hence to beast.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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