01 n. sing. & pl. Any animal; especially, a wild animal.
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1.
Any animal; especially, a wild animal.[Obs.]“Mice and rats, and such small deer.” — Shak.“The camel, that great deer.” — Lindisfarne MS.
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2.
A ruminant of the genus Cervus, of many species, and of related genera of the family Cervidæ. The males, and in some species the females, have solid antlers, often much branched, which are shed annually. Their flesh, for which they are hunted, is called venison.(Zool.)
Phrases & compounds
Deer mouse —
the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus, formerly Hesperomys leucopus) of America.
Small deer —
petty game, not worth pursuing; -- used metaphorically. (See citation from Shakespeare under the first definition, above.)