turtle
turtle2 the name turtle is an alteration (originally by English sailors) of tortoise. The flesh of various species of the turtle is used as food, and it was traditionally regarded as a feature of civic banquets; in the late 19th century the term turtledom was coined for aldermen as consumers of turtle-dinners.
In Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, the world is said to be supported by four elephants carried on the back of a giant turtle; the idea of the universe supported on a turtle's back is derived from Hindu mythology.
turn turtle chiefly (of a boat) turn upside down. From turtle-hunters' flipping over turtles on to their backs to render them helpless. Used figuratively from the early 19th century for turning upside down something held to resemble a turtle in shape.
In Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, the world is said to be supported by four elephants carried on the back of a giant turtle; the idea of the universe supported on a turtle's back is derived from Hindu mythology.
turn turtle chiefly (of a boat) turn upside down. From turtle-hunters' flipping over turtles on to their backs to render them helpless. Used figuratively from the early 19th century for turning upside down something held to resemble a turtle in shape.
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turtle