tortoiseshell

1. a horny translucent yellow-and-brown mottled substance obtained from the outer layer of the shell of the hawksbill turtle: used for making ornaments, jewellery, etc.

2. a breed of domestic cat, usually female, having black, cream, and brownish markings

3. any of several nymphalid butterflies of the genus Nymphalis, and related genera, having orange-brown wings with black markings

4. tortoiseshell turtle another name for hawksbill turtle

5. a yellowish-brown mottled colour

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

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THIS week, Anna Matthews goes animal crackers with tortoiseshell.

Shell out on a new effect; NAN ENSOR is given some tips for a really wild show about the house

Dark tortoiseshell oval frames, pounds 10, Debenhams

ESSENCE OF SUMMER IT'S WARM SO MAKE THE MOST OF IT WITH THE COOLEST OF MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES

Another older tortoiseshell was left in a box outside the centre with a note which said: "Stray wild cat found in Erdington.

Dumped cats need a home

A COLOURFUL flock of British Tortoiseshell butterflies have been released in Sefton Park to mark the 25th anniversary of charity Debra.

Helping fragile children

About 12 months old, one is tortoiseshell and white, the other black and white.

Sisters, sisters - meet two feline ladies in search of a new home

Shown in mink with cream, it is also offered in tortoiseshell with hot pink and classic black.

Sexing up new frames

Dahlia-free January is an unwelcoming place for small tortoiseshell butterflies

Country: Early birds and sleeping beauties; Mild climate produces creature comforts

Nell posed with tortoiseshell, comma and Camberwell beauties on her face.

Nell face to face with butterflies

Cats like a tortoiseshell and white cat and her three black kittens found in a bottle bin in a back yard in a Cardiff pub.

RSPCA clinic for cats to visit

NAME: Tink Pearce APPEARANCE: White tortoiseshell SPECIAL SKILLS: In honour of Tama The Station Cat, here's another mog with a job.

CAT OF THE WEEK

OUR female tortoiseshell cat went missing from Dykehead, Shotts, Lanarkshire, last week.

Your view: Help

He said: "The Small Tortoiseshell hibernates from October until March.

Jenny's all of a flutter over visitor