boas

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Boa \Bo"a\ (b[=o]"[.a]), n.; pl. Boas. [L. boa a kind of water serpent. Perh. fr. bos an ox.]

1.(Zool.) A genus of large American serpents, including the boa constrictor, the emperor boa of Mexico (Boa imperator), and the chevalier boa of Peru (Boa eques). [1913 Webster]

Note: The name is also applied to related genera; as, the dog-headed boa (Xiphosoma caninum). [1913 Webster]

2.A long, round fur tippet; -- so called from its resemblance in shape to the boa constrictor. [1913 Webster]