bluebottle

Definition

Any of various blowflies of the genus Calliphora that have an iridescent metallic-blue body and make a loud buzzing noise when flying.

Etymology

From blue + bottle, after the resemblance to shiny colored-glass bottles. In noun sense 3 (“cornflower”), via Middle English blewbothel. Noun sense 6 (“police officer”) is in reference to the colour of the uniform.

Example Sentences

• "The incredibly long body as well as the extended wings were of a gleaming purplish-gray colour: I can only liken it to that of a meat fly or common "bluebottle"."
• "I will have you as soundly swing’d for this, you bluebottle rogue!"
• "[…] comic writers […] have never failed to make capital out of the New Police, Peel's Raw-Lobsters, Peelers, Blue Bottles, &c., &c."