GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  1.       
    
    Beer , n. [OE. beor, ber, AS. beór; akin to Fries. biar, Icel. bjórr, OHG. bior, D. & G. bier, and possibly E. brew. √93, See Brew.]
    1. A fermented liquor made from any malted grain, but commonly from barley malt, with hops or some other substance to impart a bitter flavor.
      1913 Webster

      ☞ Beer has different names, as small beer, ale, porter, brown stout, lager beer, according to its strength, or other qualities. See Ale.

      1913 Webster

    2. A fermented extract of the roots and other parts of various plants, as spruce, ginger, sassafras, etc.
      1913 Webster

      Small beer, weak beer; (fig.) insignificant matters. “To suckle fools, and chronicle small beer.”

      Shak.

      1913 Webster