Definition of tortoise

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< tortilla

tortoise beetle >

tor·toise    (tôrts) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. Any of various terrestrial turtles, especially one of the family Testudinidae, characteristically having thick clublike hind limbs and a high, rounded carapace.
   2. Chiefly British A terrestrial or freshwater chelonian.
2. One that moves slowly; a laggard.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Alteration (influenced by porpoise), of Middle English tortuce from Medieval Latin tortca, alteration of Late Latin tartarcha, feminine of tartarchus, of the underworld ; see turtle¹