Definition of turtle

The word "turtle" is derived from the Old English word "torhtle" or "tortle", which was used to describe a type of slow-moving reptile. This word is likely related to the Old Norse word "þorðla", which also means "tortoise". The modern English word "turtle" has been in use since the 14th century, and has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*thurjiz", which is also the source of the modern German word "Schildkröte" (tortoise). In Latin, the word for turtle is "testudo", which is thought to be related to the verb "testudare", meaning "to protect oneself like a turtle" - possibly due to the animal's protective shell. The word "turtle" has evolved over time, but its roots in Old English and Proto-Germanic languages are still evident in its modern form.