'Mantis' definitions:
Definition of 'mantis'
(from WordNet)
noun
Predacious long-bodied large-eyed insect of warm regions; rests with forelimbs raised as in prayer [syn: mantis, mantid]
Definition of 'Mantis'
From: GCIDE
- Mantis \Man"tis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a prophet.] (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of voracious orthopterous insects of the genus Mantis, and allied genera. They are predacious long-bodied large-eyed insects of warm regions, are remarkable for their slender grotesque forms, and for holding their stout anterior legs in a manner suggesting hands folded in prayer. The common American species is Mantis Carolina. [1913 Webster]
- Mantis shrimp. (Zool.) The Squilla, a tropical marine burrowing crustacean with large grasping appendages. Also called mantis crab and mantis prawn. [1913 Webster]