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Mole, n. [OE. molle, either
shortened fr. moldwerp, or from the root of E. mold
soil: cf. D. mol, OD. molworp. See Moldwarp.]
1. (Zoöl.) Any insectivore of the
family Talpidæ. They have minute eyes and ears, soft
fur, and very large and strong fore feet.

&fist; The common European mole, or moldwarp (Talpa
Europæa), is noted for its extensive burrows. The common
American mole, or shrew mole (Scalops aquaticus), and star-
nosed mole (Condylura cristata) have similar habits.

&fist; In the Scriptures, the name is applied to two unindentified
animals, perhaps the chameleon and mole rat.

2. A plow of peculiar construction, for
forming underground drains. [U.S.]

Duck mole. See under Duck. --
Golden mole. See Chrysochlore. --
Mole cricket (Zoöl.), an
orthopterous insect of the genus Gryllotalpa, which excavates
subterranean galleries, and throws up mounds of earth resembling
those of the mole.


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