whisker

That part of the beard which grows upon the sides of the face, usually of the male, or upon the chin, or upon both.

A hair of the beard.

One of the long, projecting hairs growing at the sides of the mouth of a cat, or other animal.

The (very small) distance between two things.

It missed falling on your foot by a whisker.

Boosted by their reward, Wolves continued to push forward and Jamie O'Hara came within a whisker of doubling the lead, smashing a 25-yard effort on to the bar.

Spreaders from the bows to spread the bowsprit shrouds.

A surname.