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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
FROG, n. [L. rana, from the root of rend, from its broken shape, or from leaping, or its fragor or hoarse voice.]
An amphibious animal of
the genus Rana and related genera, of many species. Frogs swim
rapidly, and take long leaps on land. Many of the species utter loud
notes in the springtime.
* The edible frog of Europe (Rana esculenta) is extensively used as food; the American bullfrog (R. Catesbiana) is remarkable for its great size and loud voice. The triangular prominence of
the hoof, in the middle of the sole of the foot of the horse, and
other animals; the fourchette.
A supporting plate
having raised ribs that form continuations of the rails, to guide the
wheels where one track branches from another or crosses it.
An oblong cloak button,
covered with netted thread, and fastening into a loop instead of a
button hole.
The loop of the scabbard of a bayonet or
sword.
Cross frog (Railroads), a frog adapted for tracks that cross at right angles. -- Frog cheese, a popular name for a large puffball. -- Frog eater, one who eats frogs; -- a term of contempt applied to a Frenchman by the vulgar class of English. -- Frog fly. (Zoöl.) See Frog hopper. -- Frog hopper (Zoöl.), a small, leaping, hemipterous insect living on plants. The larvæ are inclosed in a frothy liquid called cuckoo spit or frog spit. -- Frog lily (Bot.), the yellow water lily (Nuphar). -- Frog spit (Zoöl.), the frothy exudation of the frog hopper; -- called also frog spittle. See Cuckoo spit, under Cuckoo. To ornament or
fasten (a coat, etc.) with trogs. See Frog,
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