noun

1. any of a large order (Coleoptera) of insects, including weevils, with biting mouthparts and hard front wings (elytra) that cover the membranous hind wings when the hind wings are folded
2. any insect resembling a beetle

Etymology: ME bitil < OE bitela < bītan, bite

noun

1. a heavy mallet, usually wooden, for driving wedges, tamping earth, etc.
2. a household mallet or pestle for mashing or beating
3. a club used in finishing handmade linen
4. a machine for finishing cloth by beating it over or between rollers

Etymology: ME & OE (Anglian) betel, mallet, hammer: ult. connected with beat

transitive verb beetled -·tled, beetling -·tling

1. to pound with a beetle
2. to put a glossy finish on (cloth) by flattening the fibers with a beetle

intransitive verb beetled -·tled, beetling -·tling

Etymology: prob. back-form. < beetle-browed

adjective