BLAPS

A Fabric i an genus of Coleopterous insects, now the type of a famny(Blapsidce), characterized by the absence of wings; maxillary palpi terminated by a large hatchet-shaped joint; body oblong and oval. All the species are of a dark or black colour, and have the elytra soldered togetJier, and bent down at the sides of the abdomen so as to embrace that part. There are throe British species of the genus Blaps proper, which are known by the trivial names of "darkling" or " church-yard beetles,*^* and are regarded by the vulgar of this and other countries as insects of evil omen. BLaSPHEMY. (Yunanca köken — orijinale bakınız.) According to its supposed etymology signifies the oflFence of using injurious language, as calumnj', reviling, .; and in this sense it is used in the New Testament; the word "railings," in 1 Tim. vi.4., being in the original " blasphemies." But in the modern and restricted sense, " blasphemy " signifies the use of insulting, or derogatory, or unbelieving language, with respect to God and divine things. Under this meaning it has been considered a civil crime in most Christian countries, in imitation of the practice which prevailed among the Jews. (Levit. xxix.) In England, by common law, it was punishable with fine, imprisonment, and other corporal punishment. By 9 W. 3. c. 35. it was first made a statutable offence, and extended so as to comprehend even the mere denial of some fundamental doctrines of Christianity; and subjected to very severe inflictions. Unitarians were relieved from the penalties of this act by 3 G. 3. c. 170. But it is almost obsolete in practice with respect to other offenders. [s. 163]