'Scarabaeus sacer' definitions:

Definition of 'Scarabaeus sacer'

(from WordNet)
noun
Scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient Egyptians [syn: scarab, scarabaeus, Scarabaeus sacer]

Definition of 'Scarabaeus sacer'

From: GCIDE
  • Scarab \Scar"ab\, Scarabee \Scar"a*bee\, n. [L. scarabaeus; cf. F. scarab['e]e.]
  • 1. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of lamellicorn beetles of the genus Scarabaeus, or family Scarabaeidae, especially the sacred, or Egyptian, species ({Scarabaeus sacer}, and Scarabaeus Egyptiorum). [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Egyptian Archaeology, Jewelry) A stylized representation of a scarab beetle carved in stone or faience, or made in baked clay, usually in a conventionalized form in which the beetle has its legs held closely at its sides, and commonly having an inscription on the flat underside; -- a symbol of resurrection, used by the ancient Egyptians as an ornament or a talisman, and in modern times used in jewelry, usually by engraving the formalized scarab design on cabuchon stones. Also used attributively; as, a scarab bracelet [a bracelet containing scarabs]; a ring with a scarab [the carved stone itelf]. [1913 Webster +PJC]