Any of various large tropical weevils of the genus Rhynchophorus, especially R. ferrugineus, whose larvae bore into the wood of coconut and toddy palms.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Kirby (1759–1850), entomologist and naturalist.
Definition of palm weevil in US English:
palm weevil
noun
Any of various large tropical weevils of the genus Rhynchophorus, especially R. ferrugineus, whose larvae bore into the wood of coconut and toddy palms.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Kirby (1759–1850), entomologist and naturalist.