Originally: a butterfly or large moth. Later: specifically any of various swallowtail butterflies belonging to the large genus Papilio.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. From classical Latin pāpiliō butterfly, moth, of uncertain origin.
Definition of papilio in US English:
papilio
nounpəˈpɪlɪəʊ
Originally: a butterfly or large moth. Later: specifically any of various swallowtail butterflies belonging to the large genus Papilio.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. From classical Latin pāpiliō butterfly, moth, of uncertain origin.