soldier fly


noun
  1. any of several flies of the family Stratiomyidae, characterized by brightly colored abdominal stripes.

Origin of soldier fly

1
An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use soldier fly in a sentence

  • Do you cease to be honourable because others are dishonourable, and would you—a soldier—fly from the battle?

    Pearl-Maiden | H. Rider Haggard