fiddler crab

2 definitions found

fiddler crab - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Fiddler \Fid"dler\, n. [AS. fi[eth]elere.]
     1. One who plays on a fiddle or violin.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) A burrowing crab of the genus Gelasimus, of many
        species. The male has one claw very much enlarged, and
        often holds it in a position similar to that in which a
        musician holds a fiddle, hence the name; -- called also
        fiddler crab, calling crab, soldier crab, and
        fighting crab.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Zool.) The common European sandpiper (Tringoides  hypoleucus
        ); -- so called because it continually
        oscillates its body.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Fiddler crab. (Zool.) See Fiddler, n., 2.
        [1913 Webster]

fiddler crab - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  fiddler crab
      n 1: burrowing crab of American coastal regions having one claw
           much enlarged in the male