from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scarab \Scar"ab\, Scarabee \Scar"a*bee\, n. [L. scarabaeus; cf.
F. scarab['e]e.]
1. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of lamellicorn beetles
of the genus {Scarabaeus}, or family {Scarabaeidae},
especially the sacred, or Egyptian, species ({Scarabaeus
sacer}, and {Scarabaeus Egyptiorum}).
[1913 Webster]
2. (Egyptian Archaeology, Jewelry) A stylized representation
of a scarab beetle carved in stone or faience, or made in
baked clay, usually in a conventionalized form in which
the beetle has its legs held closely at its sides, and
commonly having an inscription on the flat underside; -- a
symbol of resurrection, used by the ancient Egyptians as
an ornament or a talisman, and in modern times used in
jewelry, usually by engraving the formalized scarab design
on cabuchon stones. Also used attributively; as, a scarab
bracelet [a bracelet containing scarabs]; a ring with a
scarab [the carved stone itelf].
[1913 Webster +PJC]