[In sense 1, f. LADY sb. 3 (genitive, as in LADY-DAY). Cf. G. Marienhuhn, Marienkäfer, Marienwürmchen.]
1. The common name for the coleopterous insects belonging to the genus Coccinella.
1704. A. van Leuwenhoek, in Phil. Trans., XXV. 1615. Flies, in likeness to Cow-ladies or Lady-birds, as some call ’em.
1816. Kirby & Sp., Entomol., II. 9. Many years ago, those [sc. the banks] of the Humber were so thickly strewed with the common Lady-bird (C. Septempunctata, L.) that [etc.].
1861. Delamer, Fl. Gard., 169. Encourage lady-birds … which eat or rather suck the aphides.
2. A sweetheart. (Often used as a term of endearment.)
1592. Shaks., Rom. & Jul., I. iii. 3. What Lamb: what Lady-bird … Where’s this Girle?
1599. B. Jonson, Cynthia’s Rev., II. i. Is that your new ruffe, sweet lady-bird?
1656. R. Fletcher, Poems, 176. A cast of Lacquyes, and a Lady-bird.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Lady-birds, Light or Lewd Women.
1858. Lytton, What will He do? I. xiv. Let us come into the town, lady bird, and choose a doll.
