Mantis \Man"tis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a prophet.]

(Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of voracious orthopterous insects of the genus Mantis, and allied genera. They are remarkable for their slender grotesque forms, and for holding their stout anterior legs in a manner suggesting hands folded in prayer. The common American species is M. Carolina.

Mantis shrimp. (Zo["o]l.) See Sguilla.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)