deathwatch

Other forms: deathwatches

Definitions of deathwatch
  1. noun
    bores through wood making a ticking sound popularly thought to presage death
    synonyms: Xestobium rufovillosum, deathwatch beetle
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    type of:
    beetle
    insect having biting mouthparts and front wings modified to form horny covers overlying the membranous rear wings
  2. noun
    minute wingless psocopterous insects injurious to books and papers
    synonyms: Liposcelis divinatorius, book louse, booklouse
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    types:
    Trogium pulsatorium, common booklouse
    a variety of booklouse
    type of:
    psocopterous insect
    small soft-bodied insect with chewing mouthparts and either no wings or two pairs
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