1650s, "type of insect that holds its forelegs in a praying position" (especially the praying mantis, Mantis religiosa), Modern Latin, from Greek mantis, literally "one who divines, a seer, prophet," from mainesthai "be inspired," related to menos "passion, spirit" (see mania). The insect so called for its way of holding the forelimbs as if in prayer. Also used in Greek for some sort of grasshopper (Theocritus).
实用例句
1. A mantis cannot stop the wheel of a cart.
螳臂岂能挡车.来自《简明英汉词典》
2. The 6.3 - meter - long and 3.4 - meter - high mantis attracted businessmen, passers - by and shoppers until 30 July.
