Mantis \Man"tis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a prophet.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of voracious orthopterous insects of the genus {Mantis}, and allied genera. They are remarkable for their slender grotesque forms, and for holding their stout anterior legs in a manner suggesting hands folded in prayer. The common American species is {M. Carolina}. {Mantis shrimp}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Sguilla}.