beetle1
n.
- an insect of a large order distinguished by having forewings modified into hard wing cases that cover and protect the hindwings and abdomen.
[Order Coleoptera: many species.]
- Brit. a dice game in which a picture of a beetle is drawn or assembled.
v.
informal make one's way hurriedly or with short, quick steps.
Etymology
OE bitula, bitela ‘biter’, from the base of bītan ‘to bite’.
beetle3
v.
[
usu. as adj. beetling]
(especially of a person's eyebrows) project or overhang.
Derivative
Etymology
C16: back-form. from beetle-browed (ME).