crocodile

noun

1. Any of the predatory amphibious reptiles of the family Crocodylidae; (loosely) a crocodilian, any species of the order Crocodilia, which also includes the alligators, caimans and gavials.

   “The Roman poet Horace states that the excrement of the crocodile has aphrodisiac virtues.”

   “Industrial and rural expansion is shrinking and destroying the Nile crocodile's natural habitat. The Nile crocodiles, in particular, have been a source of highly durable leather for a variety of products which can be crafted and manufactured.”

   “Two species of crocodile inhabit Australian waterways: (a) the saltwater Crocodile — Crocodylus porosus, and (b) the freshwater crocodile — Crocodylus johnstoni.”

   “One contained some brightly-coloured tropical birds, one a python and the other a large and very lively crocodile. I told the customer that the boxes containing the crocodile and the python were not packed to my satisfaction, as there were not enough nails securing them.”

2. A long line or procession of people (especially children) walking together.

   “Sometimes the kids from the slap-up boys' schools in Eastbourne used to be led round in crocodiles to hand out fags and peppermint creams to the 'wounded Tommies', as they called us.”

3. A fallacious dilemma, mythically supposed to have been first used by a crocodile.

   “We have seen syllogisms, crocodiles, enthymemas, sorites, &c. explained and tried upon a boy of nine or ten years old in playful conversation[…]”

4. (Philippines, figuratively)greedy or corrupt person (especially a politician or any public official)

verb

1. (intransitive, slang)To speak another language than Esperanto at an Esperanto-language gathering.