| 释义 |
earthworm|ˈɜːθwɜːm|
[f. earth n.1 + worm.]
1. A worm that lives in the ground, esp. an individual of the genus Lumbricus.
1591Percivall Sp. Dict., Lombriz, an easse, an earth worme, lumbricus. 1594? Greene Selinus Wks. 1881–3 XIV. 220 We, like earth wormes lurking in the weeds, Do liue inglorious in all mens eyes. 1718Quincy Compl. Disp. 148 Earth-Worms, are often us'd in compositions for cooling and cleansing the Viscera. 1855Owen Comp. Anat. (ed. 2) xi. 228 The second order [of annelids] includes the earth-worms.
2. fig.
a. As a disparaging designation for a human being, esp. a mean or grovelling person.
b. With allusion to the ‘worm’ in the grave.
1594T. B. La Primaud. Fr. Acad. ii. Ep. Ded. 2 This generation of earth-wormes, which place nature..in the roome of the Creatour. 1625Burges Pers. Tithes 39 The Couetous Earth-worme would laugh in his sleeue to see his elbow vnderlaid with such a Cushion. 1684Charnock Attrib. God (1834) II. 606 How should such an earth-worm..be afraid to speak irreverently of so great a king? 1869Goulburn Purs. Holiness viii. 73 Apt to be smitten by the earthworm of death.
attrib.1626W. Sclater Expos. 2 Thess. (1629) 22 God so ordering the state of his earth-worme Children. |