scarab

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient EgyptiansSynonyms: scarabaeusScarabaeus sacer
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Scarab \Scar"ab\, Scarabee \Scar"a*bee\, n. [L. scarabaeus; cf. F. scarab['e]e.]

1.(Zool.) Any one of numerous species of lamellicorn beetles of the genus Scarabaeus, or family Scarabaeidae, especially the sacred, or Egyptian, species (Scarabaeus sacer, and Scarabaeus Egyptiorum). [1913 Webster]

2.(Egyptian Archaeology, Jewelry) A stylized representation of a scarab beetle carved in stone or faience, or made in baked clay, usually in a conventionalized form in which the beetle has its legs held closely at its sides, and commonly having an inscription on the flat underside; -- a symbol of resurrection, used by the ancient Egyptians as an ornament or a talisman, and in modern times used in jewelry, usually by engraving the formalized scarab design on cabuchon stones. Also used attributively; as, a scarab bracelet [a bracelet containing scarabs]; a ring with a scarab [the carved stone itelf]. [1913 Webster +PJC]

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