hides

Noun

hide (plural hides)

1. (countable) The skin of an animal.

   Synonyms:

   pelt, skin

2. (derogatory, obsolete) The human skin.
   • O tiger's heart, wrapped in a woman's hide!c. 1591–1592 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Third Part of Henry the Sixt, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard...
3. (US, informal, metonymically, uncountable, usually) One's own life or personal safety, especially when in peril.
   • to save his own hide
4. (countable) (mainly British) A covered structure from which hunters, birdwatchers, etc can observe animals without scaring them.
   • A Forest Trail and wild life hides lie 2 miles to the north-east. Blue hares, deer, wild geese, herons and duck can be discreetly observed from the hides.1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 382, about Tighnabruaich
5. (countable) A secret room for hiding oneself or valuables; a hideaway.
   • In the early days of American settlement, hides were built into houses to provide protection from the Indians and to conceal merchandise from the threat of taxation or thievery.1980, Robert M. Jones, editor, Walls and Ceilings, Time-Life Books, →ISBN, page 125
6. (countable) A covered structure to which a pet animal can retreat, as is recommended for snakes.

See all 10 meanings of hide