tumblebug (tumblbug)

One of several kinds of scarabæoid beetles, or dung-beetles, which roll up balls of dung in which their IMG:content-1046.jpg:[graphic][subsumed][ocr errors][merged small][graphic] Tumble-bug ( Canthon lævis ). Upper figure male, lower female, the former pulling and the latter pushing the ball in which are the eggs, and which is thus tumbled into into a a hole in the ground. (About natural size.) Scarabæida. It has been noted from remote antiquity, as in the case of the Egyptian tumble-bugs, and has given rise to some famous myths and symbols. See also cuts under scarab, Scarabæus , Copris , and galea . [U. S.] tumble-car (tum'bl-kär), n. A cart drawn by a single horse: probably so named from the axle being made fast to the wheels and turning round with them. Hall i well . tumble-down (tum'bl-doun), a. In a falling state; dilapidated; decayed; ruinous. A tumble - down old Luther an church. Long fellow , Hyper i on, ii. 9. A few dirty-looking men a emble at the door of a tum ble - down building standing against the ruined castle. E. A. Freeman , Venice, p. 340. tumble-dung (tum'bl-dung), n. [ tumble , v ., + obj. dung . ] A tumble-bug.