Octopus (?), n. [NL. See Octopod.] 1. (Zoöl.) A genus of eight-armed cephalopods, including numerous species, some of them of large size. See Devilfish.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Zoöl.) Any member of the genus Octopus.
[PJC]

3. (Fig.) Something resembling an octopus in having numerous controlling arms or branches that reach widely and influence many activities; -- used mostly of organizations, such as diversified corporations.
[PJC]