daddy-longlegs

or dad·dy long·legs

[ dad-ee-lawng-legz, -long- ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. Also called harvestman. any of numerous spiderlike arachnids of the order Opiliones, having a compact rounded body and extremely long, slender legs.
2. British. a crane fly.

daddy-longlegs

noun

1. an informal name for a crane fly
2. an informal name for harvestman

Word History and Origins

Origin of daddy-longlegs¹

First recorded in 1805–15; daddy + long ¹ + leg + -s ³

Example Sentences

Other Arachnids—as mites, ticks, scorpions, daddy longlegs or harvest-men—may be collected in the same way as spiders.

From Project Gutenberg

These latter were mostly harvestmen or daddy longlegs (Phalangid).

From Project Gutenberg

He always moved by leaps, as if he felt too gay to plod along like Daddy Longlegs, for instance.

From Project Gutenberg

Among them are the male cricket and "daddy-longlegs," both of which are reported to have been seen in a phosphorescent condition.

From Project Gutenberg

And before Daddy Longlegs could stop her she had hurried away to spread the news far and wide.

From Project Gutenberg

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