deer fly

noun

1. any of several tabanid flies of the genus Chrysops, the female of which is a vector of tularemia in deer, livestock, and humans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer fly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

We frequently saw the deer fly before us, in droves of twenty or thirty.

From Project Gutenberg

The fourth species (Elaphomia brevicornis, the short-horned deer-fly) differs considerably from the rest.

From Project Gutenberg

As for the deer-fly, and others of his piratical breed, he will bite like a dog at any time.

From Project Gutenberg