Entom. [Latinized form of Gr. τενθρηδών, -δον-, a kind of wasp; the stem being taken erroneously as tenthredin-] A saw-fly: in early use vagaely applied; in modern scientific use, after Linnæus 1748, and as restricted by Leach 1819, a genus of hymenopterous insects, typical of the family Tenthredinidæ, comprising the large saw-flies called hornet-flies. Hence Tenthredinid, a. belonging to the Tenthredinidæ; sb. a member of this family.
1658. Rowland, Moufet’s Theat. Ins., 929. Now let us proceed to the Insect called Tenthredo.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Tenthredo,… the lesser Hornet, or Bastard Hornet; an Insect.
1752. J. Hill, Hist. Anim., 81. The black Tenthredo, with clavated antennæ.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supt., Tenthredo, in natural history, the name of a fly of the stinging kind.
[1874. Lubbock, Orig. & Met. Ins., ii. 33. Although Tenthredinidæ and Siricidæ are caterpillars, more or less closely resembling those of Lepidoptera.]
