vermin

n. sing. & pl.; used chiefly as plural. [ OE. vermine, F. vermine, from L. vermis a worm; cf. LL. vermen a worm, L. verminosus full of worms. See Vermicular, Worm. ] 1. An animal, in general. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and vermin, and worms, and fowls. Acts x. 12. (Geneva Bible). [ 1913 Webster ]

This crocodile is a mischievous fourfooted beast, a dangerous vermin, used to both elements. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A noxious or mischievous animal; especially, noxious little animals or insects, collectively, as squirrels, rats, mice, worms, flies, lice, bugs, etc. “Cruel hounds or some foul vermin.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Great injuries these vermin, mice and rats, do in the field. Mortimer. [ 1913 Webster ]

They disdain such vermin when the mighty boar of the forest . . . is before them. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Hence, in contempt, noxious human beings. [ 1913 Webster ]

You are my prisoners, base vermin. Hudibras. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ L. verminare to have worms, fr. vermis a worm. ] To breed vermin. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. verminatio the worms, a disease of animals, a crawling, itching pain. ] 1. The generation or breeding of vermin. Derham. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A griping of the bowels. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. & adv. Resembling vermin; in the manner of vermin. [ Obs. ] Gauden. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. verminosus, fr. vermis a worm: cf. F. vermineux. ] 1. Tending to breed vermin; infested by vermin. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some . . . verminous disposition of the body. Harvey. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Caused by, or arising from the presence of, vermin; as, verminous disease. [ 1913 Webster ]