- Scarabee
- Scarab Scar"ab, Scarabee Scar"a*bee, n. [L. scarabaeus; cf.
F. scarab['e]e.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of lamellicorn
beetles of the genus {Scarab[ae]us}, or family
{Scarab[ae]id[ae]}, especially the sacred, or Egyptian,
species ({Scarab[ae]us sacer}, and {Scarab[ae]us
Egyptiorum}).
[1913 Webster]
2. (Egyptian Arch[ae]ology, 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.