combining form of Gr. βάτραχ-ος frog; whence Batrachomyomachy [ad. Gr. βατραχομυομαχία, f. βάτραχο-ς + μῦ-ς mouse + -μαχια fighting.] The battle of the frogs and mice, a mock heroic poem, possibly of the Homeric age. Batrachophagous a. [Gr. -φαγ-ος eating + -OUS.] Frog-eating. Batrachophobia [Gr. -φοβία fear.] Dread of or aversion to frogs, toads, newts, etc.
1825. Southey, Q. Rev., XXXI. 385. Delivered the remnant of the race from their batrachophagous oppressors.
1862. G. Kearley, Links in Chain, viii. 162. The batrachophobia is at length giving way … for the Aquarium has made it manifest that the Water Newts … are perfectly harmless little creatures.
