from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Toad \Toad\, n. [OE. tode, tade, AS. t[=a]die, t[=a]dige; of
unknown origin. Cf. {Tadpole}.] (Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of batrachians belonging to the
genus {Bufo} and allied genera, especially those of the
family {Bufonidae}. Toads are generally terrestrial in their
habits except during the breeding season, when they seek the
water. Most of the species burrow beneath the earth in the
daytime and come forth to feed on insects at night. Most
toads have a rough, warty skin in which are glands that
secrete an acrid fluid.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The common toad ({Bufo vulgaris}) and the natterjack
are familiar European species. The common American toad
({Bufo lentiginosus}) is similar to the European toad,
but is less warty and is more active, moving chiefly by
leaping.
[1913 Webster]
{Obstetrical toad}. (Zool.) See under {Obstetrical}.
{Surinam toad}. (Zool.) See {Pita}.
{Toad lizard} (Zool.), a horned toad.
{Toad pipe} (Bot.), a hollow-stemmed plant ({Equisetum
limosum}) growing in muddy places. --Dr. Prior.
{Toad rush} (Bot.), a low-growing kind of rush ({Juncus
bufonius}).
{Toad snatcher} (Zool.), the reed bunting. [Prov. Eng.]
{Toad spittle}. (Zool.) See {Cuckoo spit}, under {Cuckoo}.
{Tree toad}. (Zool.) See under {Tree}.
[1913 Webster]