Breeze Breeze fly, n. Zool. A fly of various species, of the family Tabanidæ, noted for buzzing about animals, and tormenting them by sucking their blood; -- called also horsefly, and gadfly. They are among the largest of two-winged or dipterous insects. The name is also given to different species of botflies. [Written also breese and brize.]
◄ ►
Horse·fly n.; pl. Horseflies
1. Zool. Any dipterous fly of the family Tabanidae, that stings horses, and sucks their blood.
Note: ☞ Of these flies there are numerous species, both in Europe and America. They have a large proboscis with four sharp lancets for piercing the skin. Called also breeze fly. See Illust. under Diptera, and Breeze fly.
2. Zool. The horse tick or forest fly (Hippobosca).
◄ ►