What's the etymology of "harelip"? [closed]

I know it's no longer used much, having been replaced by the more clinical "cleft lip".

The spelling makes me suspect it's named for the animal, as rabbits have a similar feature on their faces, but couldn't find any decent evidence thereof.


Solution 1:

According to the OED, it is:

Fissure of the upper lip, caused by the arrest of development in the upper lip or jaw; so called from the resemblance to the cleft lip of a hare.