praying mantis
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Mantis from Greek μάντις (mántis). Named "praying mantis" for their stance, with the forelegs held together in a way that resembles a person praying. Similar designations exist in many European as well as non-European languages. Compare for example French mante religieuse (literally “religious mantis”), German Gottesanbeterin (literally “God-worshipper”), Persian آخوندک (âxundak, literally “little cleric”).
Noun[edit]
praying mantis (plural praying mantises or praying mantes)
- Any of various predatory, cannibalistic insects of the order Mantodea that have a prayer-like stance.
- (regional, in Europe) A mantid of the species Mantis religiosa.
- A woman who preys on men (from the idea that female praying mantises eat males after sex).
Synonyms[edit]
Translations[edit]
any of various predatory insects of the Mantidae family
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Mantis religiosa
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