Beard (bērd), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Bearded; p. pr. & vb. n.Bearding.] 1. To take by the beard; to seize, pluck, or pull the beard of (a man), in anger or contempt.
2. To oppose to the face; to set at defiance.
No admiral, bearded by these corrupt and dissolute minions of the palace, dared to do more than mutter something about a court martial.
Macaulay.
3. To deprive of the gills; — used only of oysters and similar shellfish.