beetle-browed

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having heavy, bushy, or projecting eyebrows

   The beetle-browed innkeeper watched every stranger who entered.

2. 2
   adj

   sullen, frowning, or threatening in appearance

   A beetle-browed guard blocked the narrow doorway.

From Middle English bitel-browed. The first element probably meant sharp or projecting, related to bite, rather than referring directly to the insect. The overhanging-brow image produced the later sullen or scowling sense.

Topics

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