Frog (frŏg), n. [AS.
froggu, frocga a frog (in sensel); akin to D.
vorsch, OHG. frosk, G. frosch, Icel.
froskr, fraukr, Sw. & Dan. frö.]
1. (Zoöl.) An amphibious animal of
the genus Rana and related genera, of many species. Frogs swim
rapidly, and take long leaps on land. Many of the species utter loud
notes in the springtime.
☞ The edible frog of Europe (Rana esculenta) is
extensively used as food; the American bullfrog (R.
Catesbiana) is remarkable for its great size and loud voice.
2. [Perh. akin to E. fork, cf. frush
frog of a horse.] (Anat.) The triangular prominence of
the hoof, in the middle of the sole of the foot of the horse, and
other animals; the fourchette.
3. (Railroads) A supporting plate
having raised ribs that form continuations of the rails, to guide the
wheels where one track branches from another or crosses it.
4. [Cf. fraco of wool or silk, L.
floccus, E. frock.] An oblong cloak button,
covered with netted thread, and fastening into a loop instead of a
button hole.
5. The loop of the scabbard of a bayonet or
sword.
Cross frog (Railroads), a frog
adapted for tracks that cross at right angles. -- Frog
cheese, a popular name for a large puffball. --
Frog eater, one who eats frogs; -- a term of
contempt applied to a Frenchman by the vulgar class of English.
-- Frog fly. (Zoöl.) See
Frog hopper. -- Frog hopper
(Zoöl.), a small, leaping, hemipterous insect living
on plants. The larvæ are inclosed in a frothy liquid called
cuckoo spit or frog spit. -- Frog
lily (Bot.), the yellow water lily
(Nuphar). -- Frog spit
(Zoöl.), the frothy exudation of the frog
hopper; -- called also frog spittle. See Cuckoo
spit, under Cuckoo.
Frog (?), v. t. To ornament or
fasten (a coat, etc.) with trogs. See Frog,
n., 4.