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.
Phrases and idioms:
beetle-crusher Brit. colloq. a large boot or foot.
Etymology: OE bitula biter f. bitan BITE
2.
n. & v.
—n.
1 a tool with a heavy head and a handle, used for ramming, crushing, driving wedges, etc.
2 a machine used for heightening the lustre of cloth by pressure from rollers.
—v.tr.
1 ram, crush, drive, etc., with a beetle.
2 finish (cloth) with a beetle.
Etymology: OE betel f. Gmc
3.
adj. & v.
—adj. (esp. of the eyebrows) projecting, shaggy, scowling.
—v.intr. (usu. as beetling adj.) (of brows, cliffs, etc.) projecting; overhanging threateningly.
Phrases and idioms:
beetle-browed with shaggy, projecting, or scowling eyebrows.
Etymology: ME: orig. unkn.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.