Definition of "praying mantis" []

• A green or brownish predatory insect (Mantis religiosa) that while at rest folds its front legs as if in prayer. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.