Hor"net (?), n. [AS. hyrnet; akin to OHG. hornaz, hornuz, G. horniss;
perh. akin to E. horn, and named from the sound it makes as if blowing
the horn; but more prob. akin to D. horzel, Lith. szirszone, L. crabo.]
(Zoˆl.) A large, strong wasp. The European species (Vespa crabro) is of
a dark brown and yellow color. It is very pugnacious, and its sting is
very severe. Its nest is constructed of a paperlike material, and the
layers of comb are hung together by columns. The American white-faced
hornet (V. maculata) is larger and has similar habits.
Hornet fly (Zoˆl.), any dipterous insect of the genus Asilus, and
allied genera, of which there are numerous species. They are large and
fierce flies which capture bees and other insects, often larger than
themselves, and suck their blood. Called also hawk fly, robber fly. --
To stir up a hornet's nest, to provoke the attack of a swarm of
spiteful enemies or spirited critics. [Colloq.]
Horn"fish` (?), n. [AS. hornfisc.] (Zoˆl.) The garfish or sea needle.
Horn"foot` (?), a. Having hoofs; hoofed.
Horn"i*fy (?), v. t. [Horn + -fy.] To horn; to cuckold. [Obs.] Beau. &
Fl.
Horn"ing, n. Appearance of the moon when increasing, or in the form of
a crescent. J. Gregory.
Letters of horning (Scots Law), the process or authority by which a
person, directed by the decree of a court of justice to pay or perform
anything, is ordered to comply therewith. Mozley & W.
Horn"ish, a. Somewhat like horn; hard.
||Hor*ni"to (?), n. [A dim. fr. Sp. horno oven, L. furnus. See
||Furnace.] (Geol.) A low, oven-shaped mound, common in volcanic
||regions, and emitting smoke and vapors from its sides and summit.
||Humboldt.
Horn"less (?), a. Having no horn.
Horn"-mad` (?), a. Quite mad; -- raving crazy.
Did I tell you about Mr. Garrick, that the town are horn-mad after?
Gray.
Hor"no*tine (?), n. [L. hornotinus of this year.] (Zoˆl.) A yearling; a
bird of the year.
Horn"owl` (?), n. (Zoˆl.) See Horned Owl.