frost butterflies (frost but"erfliz)

pl. Geometrid moths which lay their eggs late in the fall, as species of the family Phytometrida. When the dead or frosted parts are quite dry, the polished parts are carefully cleaned with powder. Workshop Receipts , 2d ser., p. 130. 3. In entom ., covered with glistening or white specks, scales, or hairs, giving an appearance like hoar frost: as, the wings of a moth frosted at the tip.-4. In ornith ., having the plumage hoary or silvery, as if covered with frost: as, the frosted poorwill (a variety of Phalænopti lus nuttalli found in southwestern parts of the United States). - Frosted work, in arch ., a kind of ornamental rusticated work, having an appearance like that of hoar frost upon plants.