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Webster dictionary was developed by Noah Webster in the beginning of 19th century. On this website, you can find definition for ichneumon from the 1913 edition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary. Define ichneumon using one of the most comprehensive free online dictionaries on the web.
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ichneumon
Part of Speech: noun
Results: 2
1. Any hymenopterous insect of the family Ichneumonidae, of which several thousand species are known, belonging to numerous genera.
2. Any carnivorous mammal of the genus Herpestes, and family Viverridae. Numerous species are found in Asia and Africa. The Egyptian species( H. ichneumon), which ranges to Spain and Palestine, is noted for destroying the eggs and young of the crocodile as well as various snakes and lizards, and hence was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians. The common species of India ( H. griseus), known as the mongoose, has similar habits and is often domesticated. It is noted for killing the cobra.
Examples of usage:
- I found an ichneumon fly in the cage yesterday! - "Police!!!", Robert W. Chambers.
- Turning to the corresponding number in the Brazilian note- book we find this record: " It runs rapidly like an ichneumon or wasp, of which it has the appearance." - "Darwin and Modern Science", A.C. Seward and Others.
- Ichneumon- flies and their allies pierce the skin of caterpillars and other insect- larvae, laying their eggs within the victims' bodies, which their grubs proceed to devour internally. - "The Life-Story of Insects", Geo. H. Carpenter.