Definition of "dragon-fly" [dragon-fly]

• The common name of any neuropterous insect of the group Libellulina or Odonata, and families Libellilidœ, Æschnidœ, and Agrionidœ. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Numerous cases could be given among the lower animals of the same organ performing at the same time wholly distinct functions; thus in the larva of the dragon-fly and in the fish Cobites the alimentary canal respires, digests, and excretes."
• "It is only the nymph of the dragon-fly that sheds her larva and sees the sun in his glory."
• "The dragon-fly must wing his flight in armour cased: that is the law of his development."