ETYM Latin scarabaeus; cf. French scarabée.
Scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient Egyptians; SYN. scarabaeus, Scarabaeus sacer.
Any of a family Scarabaeidae of beetles, often brilliantly colored, and including cockchafers, June beetles, and dung beetles. The Scarabeus sacer was revered by the ancient Egyptians as the symbol of resurrection.