(bē) noun
1. Any of a large number of hymenopterous insects of the family Apoidea, solitary or social in habit, with smooth or hairy bodies, variously colored, and feeding largely upon nectar and pollen.
2. The common hive or honey bee (Apis mellifera).
3. A social gathering of neighbors for work or competitive activity: a quilting bee.
—to have a bee in one's bonnet To be excessively concerned about or obsessed with one idea. [OE beo]

(bē) noun Naut.
A strip of timber or iron bolted to each side of the bowsprit of a vessel, through which to reeve the foretopmast stays. Also bee block. [OE bēag ring]