\Scor"pi*on\, n. [F., fr. L. scorpio, scorpius, Gr. ?,
perhaps akin to E. sharp.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of pulmonate
   arachnids of the order Scorpiones, having a suctorial
   mouth, large claw-bearing palpi, and a caudal sting.

Note: Scorpions have a flattened body, and a long, slender
      post-abdomen formed of six movable segments, the last
      of which terminates in a curved venomous sting. The
      venom causes great pain, but is unattended either with
      redness or swelling, except in the axillary or inguinal
      glands, when an extremity is affected. It is seldom if
      ever destructive of life. Scorpions are found widely
      dispersed in the warm climates of both the Old and New
      Worlds.

2. (Zo["o]l.) The pine or gray lizard ({Sceloporus
   undulatus}). [Local, U. S.]

3. (Zo["o]l.) The scorpene.

4. (Script.) A painful scourge.

         My father hath chastised you with whips, but I will
         chastise you with scorpions.          --1 Kings xii.
                                               11.

5. (Astron.) A sign and constellation. See {Scorpio}.

6. (Antiq.) An ancient military engine for hurling stones and
   other missiles.

{Book scorpion}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Book}.

{False scorpion}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {False}, and {Book
   scorpion}.

{Scorpion bug}, or {Water scorpion} (Zo["o]l.) See {Nepa}.

{Scorpion fly} (Zo["o]l.), a neuropterous insect of the genus
   {Panorpa}. See {Panorpid}.

{Scorpion grass} (Bot.), a plant of the genus {Myosotis}. {M.
   palustris} is the forget-me-not.

{Scorpion senna} (Bot.), a yellow-flowered leguminous shrub
   ({Coronilla Emerus}) having a slender joined pod, like a
   scorpion's tail. The leaves are said to yield a dye like
   indigo, and to be used sometimes to adulterate senna.

{Scorpion shell} (Zo["o]l.), any shell of the genus
   Pteroceras. See {Pteroceras}.

{Scorpion spiders}. (Zo["o]l.), any one of the Pedipalpi.

{Scorpion's tail} (Bot.), any plant of the leguminous genus
   {Scorpiurus}, herbs with a circinately coiled pod; -- also
   called {caterpillar}.

{Scorpion's thorn} (Bot.), a thorny leguminous plant
   ({Genista Scorpius}) of Southern Europe.

{The Scorpion's Heart} (Astron.), the star Antares in the
   constellation Scorpio.