hellbender U.S.
(ˈhɛlˌbɛndə(r))
[f. hell n. + bender, one who or that which bends.]
1. The menopome or American salamander, an ugly and repulsive amphibian, from one to two feet in length, of which two species (Menopoma alleghaniensis, M. horrida) are found in the Ohio and Mississippi valleys.
| 1812 B. S. Barton (title) Memoir concerning an Animal of the Class Reptilia or Amphibia, which is known by the name of Alligator and Hellbender. 1863 Wood Illustr. Nat. Hist. III. 185 A large array of names, among which are Tweeg, Hellbender, Mud Devil, and Ground Puppy. 1893 Leland Mem. II. 179 That extraordinary fish lizard..known as the hell-bender from its extreme ugliness. |
2. A protracted and reckless debauch or drunken frolic.
| 1889 Farmer Americanisms. |