beetle1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbiːt(ə)l/

noun

  • 1an insect of a large order distinguished by having forewings that are typically modified into hard wing cases (elytra), which cover and protect the hindwings and abdomen.
  • 2 [mass noun] British a dice game in which a picture of a beetle is drawn or assembled.

verb

[no object, with adverbial of direction] informal
  • make one’s way hurriedly: the tourist beetled off

Origin:

Old English bitula, bitela 'biter', from the base of bītan 'to bite'