Category:Whirligig

Whirl"i*gig, n. Etym: [whirl + gig.]

1. A child's toy, spun or whirled around like a wheel upon an axis, Or like a top. Johnson.

2. Anything which whirls around, or in which persons or things are Whirled about, as a frame with seats or wooden horses. With a whirligig of jubilant mosquitoes spinning about each head. G. W. Cable.

3. A mediæval instrument for punishing petty offenders, being a kind Of wooden cage turning on a pivot, in which the offender was whirled Round with great velocity.

4. (zoöl.)

Defn: any one of numerous species of beetles belonging to gyrinus and Allied genera. The body is firm, oval or boatlike in form, and Usually dark colored with a bronzelike luster. These beetles live Mostly on the surface of water, and move about with great celerity in A gyrating, or circular, manner, but they are also able to dive and Swim rapidly. The larva is aquatic. Called also weaver, whirlwig, and Whirlwig beetle.