tortoiseshell

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“
The small tortoiseshell is the labrador of the butterfly world: cheerful and content to live close to humans.

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Definitions (8)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (5)

  1. noun The mottled, horny, translucent, brownish covering of the carapace of certain tortoises or turtles, especially the hawksbill, used to make combs, jewelry, and other articles.
  2. noun A synthetic imitation of natural tortoiseshell.
  3. noun See hawksbill.
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Examples (50)

  • I was not aware that at cat shows there was a special class for tortoiseshell Toms, and could not guarantee it, and I told inquirers that I was quite ignorant as to the show points of such cats, and that I wished to sell it as a tortoiseshell Tom pure and simple, and could not guarantee the arrangement of its colours. —  MY STRANGE PETS AND Other Memories of Country Life
  • The freaky-gorgeous one has what is called a tortoiseshell coat. —  Rachel Lucas
  • Over the last century, millions have been killed for the tortoiseshell markets of Europe, the United States and Asia. —  PhysOrg.com - latest science and technology news stories
  • Loved the big half-tortoiseshell, half-leather steering wheel. —  Motoring
  • The small tortoiseshell is the labrador of the butterfly world: cheerful and content to live close to humans. —  The Guardian World News
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