Bo″a (bō″ȧ), n.; pl.Boas. [L. boa a kind of water serpent. Perh. fr. bos an ox.] 1. (Zoöl.) A genus of large American serpents, including the boa constrictor, the emperor boa of Mexico (B. imperator), and the chevalier boa of Peru (B. eques).
☞ The name is also applied to related genera; as, the dog-headed boa (Xiphosoma caninum).
2. A long, round fur tippet; — so called from its resemblance in shape to the boa constrictor.