n. & v.
n. 1 any insect of the order Coleoptera, with modified front wings forming hard protective cases closing over the back wings. 2 colloq. any similar, usu. black, insect. 3 sl. a type of compact rounded Volkswagen saloon car. 4 a dice game in which a beetle is drawn or assembled.
v.intr. colloq. (foll. by about, away, etc.) Brit. hurry, scurry. beetle-crusher Brit. colloq. a large boot or foot.
[ OE bitula biter f. bitan BITE ]