[ad. Fr. entomologie (1764 in Littré), mod.L. entomologia f. ENTOMO- + λογία (see -LOGY).] That branch of natural history which deals with the physiology, distribution and classification of insects.
1766. trans. Bonnet’s Contemp. Nat., IX. ix. I have given the name insectology to that part of natural history which has insects for its object: that of entomology … would undoubtedly have been more suitable … but its barbarous sound terryfy’d me.
1771. G. White, Selborne, xxxiv. 91. Nothing would recommend entomology more than [etc.].
1828. Stark, Elem. Nat. Hist., II. 213. The branch of science named Entomology.
1856. Emerson, Eng. Traits, 1st Visit Eng., Wks. (Bohn), II. 3. Landor despised entomology.
