beetle 1
/beet"l/ , n. , v. , beetled, beetling .
n.
1. any of numerous insects of the order Coleoptera, characterized by hard, horny forewings that cover and protect the membranous flight wings.
2. (loosely) any of various insects resembling the beetle, as a cockroach.
v.i.
3. Chiefly Brit. to move quickly; scurry: He beetled off to catch the train.
[ bef. 900; late ME betylle, bityl, OE bitela ( bitel- biting ( bit- BITE + -el adj. suffix) + -a n. suffix) ]
beetle 2
— beetler , n.
/beet"l/ , n. , v. , beetled, beetling .
n.
1. a heavy hammering or ramming instrument, usually of wood, used to drive wedges, force down paving stones, compress loose earth, etc.
2. any of various wooden instruments for beating linen, mashing potatoes, etc.
v.t.
3. to use a beetle on; drive, ram, beat, or crush with a beetle.
4. to finish (cloth) with a beetling machine.
[ bef. 900; ME betel, OE betl, bytel hammer (c. MLG betel chisel), equiv. to be(a)t- BEAT + -il n. suffix ]
beetle 3
/beet"l/ , adj., v., beetled, beetling .
adj.
1. projecting; overhanging: beetle brows.
v.i.
2. to project; jut out; overhang: a cliff that beetles over the sea.
3. to hang or tower over in a threatening or menacing manner: The prospect of bankruptcy beetled over him.
[ 1325-75; ME; back formation from BEETLE-BROWED ]