guard hair

American  

noun

1. the long, usually stiff outer hair protecting the underfur in certain animals.

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guard hair British  

noun

1. any of the coarse hairs that form the outer fur in certain mammals, rising above the underfur

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Etymology

Origin of guard hair

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Scientists discovered a new species of spiny mouse - named after the especially stiff guard hairs found on their coats, which function similar to the spines of a hedgehog.

From BBC

The top coat is full of what scientists call “guard hairs,” which are longer and sometimes hollow.

From Washington Post

At Gray’s pain scream, Pax’s guard hairs lifted and his heartbeat quickened.

From Literature

Silver moved in a halo of light, for the sun sparkled on the guard hairs that grew out over the dense underfur and she seemed to glow.

From Literature

The hinged traps are bigger or smaller, they’re redder or greener, the guard hairs are longer or miniaturized, and so on.

From Washington Post