Turtle Definition
(video games) To build up a large defense force and strike only punctually, rather than going for an offensive strategy.
- to turn upside down; capsize
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Turtle
Origin of Turtle
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Alteration (influenced by turtle) of Middle English tortu from Old French tortue ultimately (probably with influence from Old French tortu crooked) (and tordu twisted, from the shape of its legs) from Vulgar Latin tartarūca feminine of *tartarūcus of Tartarus (the turtle being a symbol of the forces of darkness in early Christian iconography) from Late Latin tartarūchus from Late Greek tartaroukhos occupying Tartarus Tartaros Tartarus ekhein to hold eunuch
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Modification of French tortue (probably under the influence of turtledove). See tortoise for more.
From Wiktionary
Middle English from Old English from Latin turtur probably of imitative origin
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Old English turtla, ultimately from Latin turtur (“turtledove"), of imitative origin.
From Wiktionary
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