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cockchafer

[ kok-chey-fer ]

noun

  1. any of certain scarab beetles, especially the European species, Melolontha melolontha, which is very destructive to forest trees.


cockchafer

/ ˈkɒkˌtʃeɪfə /

noun

  1. any of various Old World scarabaeid beetles, esp Melolontha melolontha of Europe, whose larvae feed on crops and grasses Also calledMay beetleMay bug


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Word History and Origins

Origin of cockchafer1

1685–95; cock 1 (with reference to its size) + chafer

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cockchafer1

C18: from cock 1+ chafer

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Example Sentences

The red cups that grew in the moss held as much dew as she wanted, and the cockchafer had taught her how to get honey.

A cockchafer buzzed by, a moth flew in his face, the music stopped, and little Jon drew his head in.

Before taking its flight, the cockchafer agitates its wings for some minutes, and inflates its abdomen with air.

Certain larv, such as those of the cockchafer, eat away the roots of vegetables, and so destroy the harvests.

But the cockchafer steers badly when it flies; it knocks itself at each instant against obstacles it meets with.

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