A beard is the collection of hair that grows on the chin, upper lip, cheeks and neck of human beings. Usually, only pubescent or adult males are able to grow beards. However, women with hirsutism may develop a beard. When differentiating between upper and lower facial hair, a beard specifically includes the moustache, which refers to hair above and around the upper lip.
Over the course of history, men with facial hair have been ascribed various attributes such as wisdom, sexual virility, masculinity, or a higher status; although beards may also be perceived to be associated with a lack of general cleanliness and a loss of refinement.
Read more about Beard: Biology, Beards in Religion, The "Philosopher's Beard", Modern Prohibition of Beards, Styles, Quotations Regarding Beards
Famous quotes containing the word beard:
“His tears run down his beard like winter’s drops
From eaves of reeds.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“In England and America a beard usually means that its owner would rather be considered venerable than virile; on the continent of Europe it often means that its owner makes a special claim to virility.”
—Rebecca West (1892–1983)