WHISKER

A great lie.

The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.

Whisk"er (?), n.

1.

One who, or that which, whisks, or moves with a quick, sweeping motion.

2.

Formerly, the hair of the upper lip; a mustache; -- usually in the plural.

Hoary whiskers and a forky beard. Pope.

3. pl.

That part of the beard which grows upon the sides of the face, or upon the chin, or upon both; as, side whiskers; chin whiskers.

4.

A hair of the beard.

5.

One of the long, projecting hairs growing at the sides of the mouth of a cat, or other animal.

6. pl. Naut.

Iron rods extending on either side of the bowsprit, to spread, or guy out, the stays, etc.

© Webster 1913.