Apis, a'pis, the Bull of Memphis, worshiped with great reverence by the ancient Egyptians. The name signifies "the hidden one," and the Sacred Bull was supposed to be the incarnation of Osiris, the god of the under world. The individual animal held to be an Apis was recognized by certain signs. It must be black, have a white triangle on the forehead, a half moon on the breast, and a small hump under the tongue in the shape of a scarabaeus or beetle. This beetle was an emblem of immortality. If such a bull was found, it was brought with great rejoicing to Memphis, tended with care, and, at its death, buried with elaborate ceremonies and at great cost.