cockchafer

American  

[kok-chey-fer] / ˈkɒkˌtʃeɪ fər /

noun

1. any of certain scarab beetles, especially the European species, Melolontha melolontha, which is very destructive to forest trees.

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cockchafer British  

/ ˈkɒkˌtʃeɪfə /

noun

1. Also called: May beetle.   May bug.  any of various Old World scarabaeid beetles, esp Melolontha melolontha of Europe, whose larvae feed on crops and grasses

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Etymology

Origin of cockchafer

1685–95; cock ¹ (with reference to its size) + chafer

Example Sentences

The Valiant arrived first with bad news; and then Mr. Hall, of the Cockchafer, went to Admiral McBride, and informed him that the whole of Sir James Saumarez' squadron was taken.

From Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez, Vol. I by Ross, John, Sir

It is very like the larva of the Common Cockchafer.

From More Hunting Wasps by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander

But the landlord of the Cockchafer soon recovered from his temporary annoyance, and even proceeded to apologise to Stephen for the warmth of his language.

From The Fifth Form at Saint Dominic's A School Story by Reed, Talbot Baines

He was not exactly a gentleman, for he kept the Cockchafer public-house at Maltby, and often served behind the bar in his own person.

From The Fifth Form at Saint Dominic's A School Story by Reed, Talbot Baines

Mr Loman then followed up his advantage by finding out all he could about the companions whom his son had been in the habit of meeting on the occasion of his visits to the Cockchafer.

From The Fifth Form at Saint Dominic's A School Story by Reed, Talbot Baines