beetling

bee·tle ¹  (btl)

n.

1. Any of numerous insects of the order Coleoptera, having biting mouthparts and forewings modified to form horny coverings that protect the underlying pair of membranous hind wings when at rest.

2. An insect resembling a member of the order Coleoptera.

intr.v. bee·tled, bee·tling, bee·tles

To make one's way or move like a beetle: "Chambermaids . . . beetled from bedroom to bedroom loaded with . . . champagne" (Vanity Fair).

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[Middle English betil, from Old English bitela, from btan, to bite; see bheid- in Indo-European roots.]

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bee·tle ²  (btl)

adj.

Jutting; overhanging: beetle brows.

intr.v. bee·tled, bee·tling, bee·tles

To jut; overhang: "The rocks often beetled over the road" (Washington Irving).

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[From Middle English bitel-brouwed, grim-browed : bitel, sharp (probably from Old English *bitol, biting, from Old English bite, bite; see bit²) + brouwed (from brow, brow; see brow).]

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bee·tle ³  (btl)

n.

1. A heavy mallet with a large wooden head.

2. A small wooden household mallet.

3. A machine with revolving wooden hammers that gives fabrics a lustrous sheen.

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[Middle English betel, from Old English btl; see bhau- in Indo-European roots.]

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

beetling - jutting or overhanging; "beetle brows" beetle protrusive - thrusting outward

Translations

beetling

adj cliffs → überhängend; brow → vorspringend