~ 1
■ noun
1》 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.]
2》 Brit. a dice game in which a picture of a ~ is drawn or assembled.
■ verb informal make one's way hurriedly or with short, quick steps.
Origin
OE bitula , bitela 'biter', from the base of bītan 'to bite'.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a very heavy mallet.
2》 a machine used for heightening the lustre of cloth by pressure from rollers.
■ verb
1》 ram, crush, or drive in with a ~.
2》 finish (cloth) with a ~.
Origin
OE bētel , of Gmc origin.
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~ 3
■ verb [usu. as adjective beetling ] (especially of a person's eyebrows) project or overhang.
Derivatives
~-browed adjective
Origin
C16: back-form. from ~-browed (ME).