scarabee

1 definition found

scarabee - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Scarab \Scar"ab\, Scarabee \Scar"a*bee\, n. [L. scarabaeus; cf.
     F. scarab['e]e.]
     1. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of lamellicorn beetles
        of the genus Scarabaeus, or family Scarabaeidae,
        especially the sacred, or Egyptian, species (Scarabaeus  sacer
        , and Scarabaeus Egyptiorum).
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Egyptian Archaeology, Jewelry) A stylized representation
        of a scarab beetle carved in stone or faience, or made in
        baked clay, usually in a conventionalized form in which
        the beetle has its legs held closely at its sides, and
        commonly having an inscription on the flat underside; -- a
        symbol of resurrection, used by the ancient Egyptians as
        an ornament or a talisman, and in modern times used in
        jewelry, usually by engraving the formalized scarab design
        on cabuchon stones. Also used attributively; as, a scarab
        bracelet [a bracelet containing scarabs]; a ring with a
        scarab [the carved stone itelf].
        [1913 Webster +PJC]