noun

1. any of a large family (Scarabaeidae) of mostly stout-bodied, often brilliantly colored beetles with lamellicorn antennae, including the June bugs, cockchafers, and dung beetles
2. 1. the black, winged dung beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) held sacred by the ancient Egyptians
   2. an image of this beetle, cut from a stone or gem, often engraved with religious or historical inscriptions on the flat underside and, formerly, esp. in ancient Egypt, worn as a charm or used as a seal

Etymology: Fr scarabée < L scarabaeus, altered < ? Gr karabos, a horned beetle, crayfish