a European moth (Lymantria dispar), brownish (males) or whitish (females), now common in the E U.S.: its larvae feed on leaves, doing much damage to forest and shade trees
See gypsy moth in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A European moth (Lymantria dispar) having hairy caterpillars that feed on foliage and are destructive to trees and shrubs. It was introduced into the United States in the late 1800s.
Informal A moderate Republican representing a northeast or midwestern urban area in the U.S. House of Representatives.