† ˈeat-bee Obs.
An English name for the Merops apiaster, (sometimes wrongly identified with the Wood-pecker.) Cf. bee-eater.
| [1573 Cooper Thesaur., Apiastra Auicula est, Seruius, Eadem quæ merops, auis Germaniæ ignota. Longe enim errant, quæ picum viridem interpretantur.] 1608 Topsell Serpents 646 Divers living creatures are nourished by..honey; as the bear..the woodpecker or eat-bee. 1611 Cotgr., Guespier, a Woodwall, Wood-pecker, Eat-bee (a little bird). 1693 W. Robertson Phraseol. Gen. 520 An eat-bee, a bird; apiaster, merops. |