crab-louse
[f. crab n.1, in reference to the recurved feet by which it hooks itself to its host.]
A parasitical insect, Pediculus pubis, or Phthirus inguinalis, which infests parts of the human body.
| 1547 Boorde Brev. Health §273 Head lyce, body lyce, crabbe lyce, and nits. 1658 Rowland Moufet's Theat, Ins. 1099 May be Scaliger meant by a Tike some Lowse like a Crab, or some Crab-lowse in man; for they both breed in the beard and privities, and can very hardly be pulled off. 1861 Hulme tr. Moquin-Tandon ii. vi. i. 296 The Pubic Louse..which is known by the common name of ‘Crab Louse’, attaches itself to the hairs of the sexual organs, the arm pits, and even of the eyebrows. |