BEAR, in Astronomy. See Ursa, ASTRONOMY In-
dex.
Order of the BEAR was a military order in Switzer-
land, erected by the emperor Frederick II. in 1213, by
way of acknowledgment for the service the Swiss had
done him, and in favour of the abbey of St Gal. To
the collar of the order hung a medal, on which was re-
presented a bear raised on an eminence of earth.
BEAR's-Breech. See ACANTHUS, BOTANY Index.
BEAR's-Flesh was much esteemed by the ancients:
even at this day, the paw of a bear salted and smoked,
is served up at the tables of princes.
BEAR's-Grease was formerly esteemed a sovereign re-
medy against cold disorders, especially rheumatism.
It is now much used in dressing ladies and gentlemen's
hair.
BEAR's-Skin makes a fur in great esteem, and on
which depends a considerable article of commerce, being
used in housings, on coach-boxes, &c. In some coun-
tries, clothes are made of it, more especially bags
wherein to keep the feet warm in severe colds. Of
the skins of bears cubs are made gloves, muffs, and the
like.