grasshopper lobster

1 definition found

grasshopper lobster - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Grasshopper \Grass"hop`per\, n.
     1. (Zool.) Any jumping, orthopterous insect, of the families
        Acridid[ae] and Locustid[ae], having large hind legs
        adapted for leaping, and chewing mouth parts. The species
        and genera are very numerous and some are very destructive
        to crops. The former family includes the Western
        grasshopper or locust (Caloptenus spretus), noted for
        the great extent of its ravages in the region beyond the
        Mississippi. In the Eastern United States the red-legged
        (Caloptenus femurrubrum and C. atlanis) are closely
        related species, but their ravages are less important.
        They are closely related to the migratory locusts of the
        Old World. See Locust.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     Note: The meadow or green grasshoppers belong to the
           Locustid[ae]. They have long antenn[ae], large
           ovipositors, and stridulating organs at the base of the
           wings in the male. The European great green grasshopper
           (Locusta viridissima) belongs to this family. The
           common American green species mostly belong to
           Xiphidium, Orchelimum, and Conocephalus.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. In ordinary square or upright pianos of London make, the
        escapement lever or jack, so made that it can be taken out
        and replaced with the key; -- called also the hopper.
        --Grove.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Mil.) An antipersonnel mine that jumps from the ground to
        body height when activated, and explodes, hurling metal
        fragments over a wide area.
        [PJC]
  
     4. A mixed alcoholic beverage containing cr[`e]me de menthe,
        light cream, and sometimes cr[`e]me de cacao. The name
        comes from its light green color.
        [PJC]
  
     Grasshopper engine, a steam engine having a working beam
        with its fulcrum at one end, the steam cylinder at the
        other end, and the connecting rod at an intermediate
        point.
  
     Grasshopper lobster (Zool.) a young lobster. [Local, U. S.]
        
  
     Grasshopper warbler (Zool.), cricket bird.
        [1913 Webster]