Definition of whirligig
- n. - A child's toy, spun or whirled around like a wheel upon
an axis, or like a top.
- n. - Anything which whirls around, or in which persons or
things are whirled about, as a frame with seats or wooden horses.
- n. - A mediaeval instrument for punishing petty offenders,
being a kind of wooden cage turning on a pivot, in which the offender
was whirled round with great velocity.
- n. - Any one of numerous species of beetles belonging to
Gyrinus and allied genera. The body is firm, oval or boatlike in form,
and usually dark colored with a bronzelike luster. These beetles live
mostly on the surface of water, and move about with great celerity in a
gyrating, or circular, manner, but they are also able to dive and swim
rapidly. The larva is aquatic. Called also weaver, whirlwig, and
whirlwig beetle.