In the sign of beaver what does word mean?

It seems you're asking about the meaning of the word "beaver" in the book "The Sign of the Beaver" by Elizabeth George Speare.

In this context, "beaver" has two main meanings:

1. The animal: The book revolves around the story of a young boy, Matt, who is left alone in the wilderness and must learn to survive. He encounters a family of beavers, which are essential to his survival. He learns to trap them for food and uses their dams and lodges for shelter.

2. A symbol: The beaver also acts as a symbol of resilience, resourcefulness, and hard work. Matt, like the beaver, must work tirelessly to build a life for himself in the wilderness.

The book explores themes of survival, self-reliance, and the importance of understanding and respecting nature. The "sign of the beaver" acts as a beacon, guiding Matt toward the understanding of these themes.