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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.

196 words match “BEETLE”

BEETLE v. 6 definitions

To finish by subjecting to a hammering process in a beetle or beetling machine; as, to beetle cotton goods.

An overhanging brow.

BEETLE-BROWED a.

Having prominent, overhanging brows; hence, lowering or sullen.

BEETLE-HEADED a.

Dull; stupid. Shak.

BEETLEHEAD n. 2 definitions

A stupid fellow; a blockhead. Sir W. Scott.

The handle of a beetle.

AMBROSIA BEETLE n.

A bark beetle that feeds on ambrosia.

A small beetle of many species (family Scolytidæ), which in the larval state bores under or in the bark of trees, often doing great damage.

BILLBEETLE; BILLBUG n.

A weevil or curculio of various species, as the corn weevil. See Curculio.

CLICK BEETLE n.

COLORADO BEETLE n.

A yellowish beetle (Doryphora decemlineata), with ten longitudinal, black, dorsal stripes. It has migrated eastwards from its original habitat in Colorado, and is very destructive to the potato plant; -- called also potato beetle and potato bug. See Potato beetle.

A very brilliantly luminous beetle (Pyrophorus noctilucus), one of the elaters, found in Central and South America; -- called also cucujo. The name is also applied to other species. See Firefly.

A small beetle of the family Halticidæ, of many species. They have strong posterior legs and leap like fleas. The turnip flea- beetle (Phyllotreta vittata) and that of the grapevine (Graptodera chalybea) are common injurious species.

GOLIATH BEETLE n.

Any species of Goliathus, a genus of very large and handsome African beetles.

TAPESTRY BEETLE n.

A small black dermestoid beetle (Attagenus piceus) whose larva feeds on tapestry, carpets, silk, fur, flour, and various other goods.

WATER BEETLE n.

Any one of numerous species of aquatic beetles belonging to Dytiscus and allied genera of the family Dytiscidæ, and to various genera of the family Hydrophilidæ. These beetles swim with great agility, the fringed hind legs acting together like oars.

A beetle of the genus Lamia.

A beetle which feeds on flowers.

A genus of small beetles, several of which, in the larval state, are very destructive to woolen goods, fur, etc. The common "museum pest" is A. varius; the carpet beetle is A. scrophulariæ. The larvæ are commonly confounded with moths.