ˈwater-bear
[bear n.1]
† 1. = sea-bear 3. Obs.
| 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Water-Bears, a sort of Bears in Spitsberg, or North-East Greenland, that live by what they catch in the Sea. |
2. A sloth-animalcule.
| 1852 A. Pritchard Infusorial Animal. (new ed.) 685 They are very sluggish in their movements, and are commonly known under the name of ‘little water bears’. 1861 H. J. Slack Marv. Pond-life 23 Last in the list we have the Tardigrada, ‘Slow-steppers,’ or Water Bears, queer little creatures, something like new-born puppies, with a double allowance of imperfect feet. 1889 [see sloth n.1 5]. |