Talpa Europaea

Mole Mole, n. [OE. molle, either shortened fr. moldwerp, or from the root of E. mold soil: cf. D. mol, OD. molworp. See {Moldwarp}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any insectivore of the family {Talpid[ae]}. They have minute eyes and ears, soft fur, and very large and strong fore feet. [1913 Webster]

Note: The common European mole, or moldwarp ({Talpa Europ[ae]a}), is noted for its extensive burrows. The common American mole, or shrew mole ({Scalops aquaticus}), and star-nosed mole ({Condylura cristata}) have similar habits. [1913 Webster]

Note: In the Scriptures, the name is applied to two unindentified animals, perhaps the chameleon and mole rat. [1913 Webster]

2. A plow of peculiar construction, for forming underground drains. [U.S.] [1913 Webster]

3. (fig.)A spy who lives for years an apparently normal life (to establish a cover) before beginning his spying activities. [PJC]

{Duck mole}. See under {Duck}.

{Golden mole}. See {Chrysochlore}.

{Mole cricket} (Zo["o]l.), an orthopterous insect of the genus {Gryllotalpa}, which excavates subterranean galleries, and throws up mounds of earth resembling those of the mole. It is said to do damage by injuring the roots of plants. The common European species ({Gryllotalpa vulgaris}), and the American ({Gryllotalpa borealis}), are the best known.

{Mole rat} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of Old World rodents of the genera {Spalax}, {Georychus}, and several allied genera. They are molelike in appearance and habits, and their eyes are small or rudimentary.

{Mole shrew} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of short-tailed American shrews of the genus {Blarina}, esp. {Blarina brevicauda}.

{Water mole}, the duck mole. [1913 Webster]