flesh-worm
A worm that feeds on flesh. Also (see quot. 1884.)
| c 1000 Sax. Leechd. II. 124 Wiþ flæsc wyrmum ᵹenim monnes suran [etc.]. 1577–87 Holinshed Chron. II. 19/2 Nits, fleshwormes, bees, butterflies. 1586 J. Hooker Girald. Irel. in Holinshed II. 91/1, I shall be able like a fleshworme to itch the bodie of his kingdome. 1795 Southey Vis. Maid of Orleans i. 136 Where thou seest the pamper'd flesh-worm trail, Once the white bosom heaved. 1884 Syd. Soc. Lex., Flesh worm, the Trichina spiralis. |
b. transf. A carnally-minded person.
| 1565 Harding in Jewel Def. Apol. (1611) 317 Discoursing Parliament Machiauellists, and al other whatsoeuer fleshwormes, Merchants, idle artificers. |