Cock"roach (?), n. [Sp. cucaracha.] Zool.
An orthopterus insect of the genus Blatta, and allied genera.
The species are numerous, especially in hot countries. Those most commonly infesting houses in Europe and North America are Blatta orientalis, a large species often called black beetle, and the Croton bug (Ectobia Germanica).
© Webster 1913.