Pûrse'-crâb, n.

noun

n. (Zoöl.) A kind of crab, of the genus Birgus, which inhabits holes in the rocks and mountains, and sometimes ascends palm-trees and devours the fruit. It is found about the shores of the Indian Ocean. Baird.

An engraved illustration of a purse-crab with its claws, legs, and long antennae visible.
Purse-crab (*Birgus latro).