boa
n. countablen. a long, thick snake that kills its prey by squeezing it. It can also mean a long, fluffy scarf made of feathers or fur.
n. a large, non-venomous tropical snake that kills by constriction; also refers to a long scarf made of feathers or fur. Often used in the compound 'boa constrictor' when referring to the reptile.
The performer wore a bright pink feather boa around her neck.
During the jungle expedition, the guide pointed out a large boa resting on a low tree branch.
The actress made a dramatic entrance draped in a vintage silk gown and a voluminous ostrich feather boa that trailed behind her on the red carpet.
From Middle English boa, from Latin boa (“large snake”), a species of serpent mentioned in Pliny's Naturalis Historia (Natural History). The scarf was named attributively, for its resemblance to the snake when worn.
When referring to the snake, it is often part of the specific name 'boa constrictor'.