What is "welsh rare bit"

Rabbit \Rab"bit\ (r[a^]b"b[i^]t), n. [OE. rabet, akin to OD. robbe, robbeken.] (Zo["o]l.) Any of the smaller species of the genus Lepus, especially the common European species ( Lepus cuniculus), which is often kept as a pet, and has been introduced into many countries. It is remarkably prolific, and has become a pest in some parts of Australia and New Zealand. Note: The common American rabbit ( Lepus sylvatica) is similar but smaller. See Cottontail, and Jack rabbit, under 2d Jack. The larger species of Lepus are commonly called hares. See Hare. Angora rabbit (Zo["o]l.), a variety of the domestic rabbit having long, soft fur. Rabbit burrow, a hole in the earth made by rabbits for shelter and habitation. Rabbit fish. (Zo["o]l.)

1. The northern chim[ae]ra ( Chim[ae]ra monstrosa).

2. Any one of several species of plectognath fishes, as the bur fish, and puffer. The term is also locally applied to other fishes. Rabbits' ears. (Bot.) See Cyclamen. Rabbit warren, a piece of ground appropriated to the breeding and preservation of rabbits. --Wright. Rock rabbit.

   1. (Zo["o]l.) See Daman, and Klipdas.

   2. the pika.

      Welsh rabbit, a dish of which the chief constituents are melted cheese over toasted bread, flavored in various ways, as with ale, beer, milk, or spices. The name is popularly said to be a corruption of Welsh rare bit, but it is probably merely a humorous designation; -- also called Welsh rarebit.