bee·tle
1 (bēt́l)
[Middle English betil, from Old English bitela, from bītan, to bite.]
noun
- Any of numerous insects of the order Coleoptera, having biting mouthparts and forewings modified to form horny coverings that protect the underlying pair of membranous hind wings when at rest.
- An insect resembling a member of the order Coleoptera.
intransitive verb: -tled, -tling, -tles.
- To make one's way or move like a beetle: “Chambermaids . . . beetled from bedroom to bedroom loaded with . . . champagne” (Vanity Fair)
bee·tle
2 (bēt́l)
[From Middle English bitel-brouwed, grim-browed, bitel, sharp (probably from Old English* bitol, biting) (from Old English bite, bite; see bit2), + brouwed (from brow, brow; see brow).]
adjective
- Jutting; overhanging: beetle brows.
intransitive verb: -tled, -tling, -tles.
- To jut; overhang: “The rocks often beetled over the road” (Washington Irving)
bee·tle
3 (bēt́l)
[Middle English betel, from Old English bȳtl.]
noun
- A heavy mallet with a large wooden head.
- A small wooden household mallet.
- A machine with revolving wooden hammers that gives fabrics a lustrous sheen.