from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Grasshopper \Grass"hop`per\, n.
1. (Zool.) Any jumping, orthopterous insect, of the families
{Acridid[ae]} and {Locustid[ae]}, having large hind legs
adapted for leaping, and chewing mouth parts. The species
and genera are very numerous and some are very destructive
to crops. The former family includes the Western
grasshopper or locust ({Caloptenus spretus}), noted for
the great extent of its ravages in the region beyond the
Mississippi. In the Eastern United States the red-legged
({Caloptenus femurrubrum} and {C. atlanis}) are closely
related species, but their ravages are less important.
They are closely related to the migratory locusts of the
Old World. See {Locust}.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
Note: The meadow or green grasshoppers belong to the
{Locustid[ae]}. They have long antenn[ae], large
ovipositors, and stridulating organs at the base of the
wings in the male. The European great green grasshopper
({Locusta viridissima}) belongs to this family. The
common American green species mostly belong to
{Xiphidium}, {Orchelimum}, and {Conocephalus}.
[1913 Webster]
2. In ordinary square or upright pianos of London make, the
escapement lever or jack, so made that it can be taken out
and replaced with the key; -- called also the {hopper.}
--Grove.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Mil.) An antipersonnel mine that jumps from the ground to
body height when activated, and explodes, hurling metal
fragments over a wide area.
[PJC]
4. A mixed alcoholic beverage containing cr[`e]me de menthe,
light cream, and sometimes cr[`e]me de cacao. The name
comes from its light green color.
[PJC]
{Grasshopper engine}, a steam engine having a working beam
with its fulcrum at one end, the steam cylinder at the
other end, and the connecting rod at an intermediate
point.
{Grasshopper lobster} (Zool.) a young lobster. [Local, U. S.]
{Grasshopper warbler} (Zool.), cricket bird.
[1913 Webster]