‖ eruca rare.
(ɪˈruːkə)
See eruke.
[L. ērūca caterpillar.]
The larva of a butterfly or such like insect; a caterpillar. Hence eruca-like a.
| [1609 Bible (Douay) Joel i. 4 Comm., Eruca, a worme that destroyeth herbes and fruictes.] 1691 Ray Creation (1701) 136 May be observed in the production of silk worms, yea all other eruca's, and many insects more! a 1839 Galt Demon Dest. iii. (1840) 22 Eruca-like they rise, As bright aurelias in the summer's shine. |