Ba"con (?), n. [OF. bacon, fr. OHG.
bacho, bahho, flitch of bacon, ham; akin to E. back.
Cf. Back the back side.] The back and sides of a pig salted and
smoked; formerly, the flesh of a pig salted or fresh.
Bacon beetle (Zoöl.), a beetle
(Dermestes lardarius) which, especially in the larval state, feeds
upon bacon, woolens, furs, etc. See Dermestes. -- To
save one's bacon, to save one's self or property from harm or
loss. [Colloq.]