Careful Words

beast (n.)

It is a familiar beast to man, and signifies love.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The Merry Wives of Windsor. Act i. Sc. 1.

  When he is best, he is a little worse than a man; and when he is worst, he is little better than a beast.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The Merchant of Venice. Act i. Sc. 2.

A beast, that wants discourse of reason.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act i. Sc. 2.

  A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Old Testament: Proverbs xii. 10.

A very gentle beast, and of a good conscience.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act v. Sc. 1.