Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Hare's-foot fern /(-fo͝ot` fẽrn`)/ · Hare's·-foot· fern · IPA 01 A species of fern (Davallia Canariensis) with a soft, gray, hairy rootstock; -- whence the name. 1. A species of fern (Davallia Canariensis) with a soft, gray, hairy rootstock; -- whence the name.(Bot.)