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1. (n.) ichneumon
a slender, long-tailed mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon, of N Africa and S Europe, believed by the ancient Egyptians to devour crocodile eggs.
Etymology: (1565–75; < L < Gk ichneúmōn tracker)
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| Definition of 'ichneumon' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) ichneumon, Herpestes ichneumon
northern African mongoose; in ancient times thought to devour crocodile eggs
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| Definition of 'ichneumon' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (noun) ichneumon
any carnivorous mammal of the genus Herpestes, and family Viverridae. Numerous species are found in Asia and Africa. The Egyptian species(H. ichneumon), which ranges to Spain and Palestine, is noted for destroying the eggs and young of the crocodile as well as various snakes and lizards, and hence was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians. The common species of India (H. griseus), known as the mongoose, has similar habits and is often domesticated. It is noted for killing the cobra
2. (noun) ichneumon
any hymenopterous insect of the family Ichneumonidae, of which several thousand species are known, belonging to numerous genera
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| Definitions of 'ichneumon' |
The Nuttall Encyclopedia |
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1. ichneumon
an animal of the weasel tribe, worshipped in Egypt from its destroying the eggs of noxious reptiles, and of the crocodile in particular.
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Definitions of ichneumon 
