earthworm

Etymology

From Middle English erthe-worm, erþe-worm, erþe worm (also as worm of þe erthe, worm of þe erþe), equivalent to earth + worm. Compare Saterland Frisian Äidwurm (“earthworm”), West Frisian ierdwjirm (“earthworm”), Dutch aardworm (“earthworm”), less common German Erdwurm (“earthworm”).

noun

  1. A worm that lives in the ground.
  2. A worm of the family Lumbricidae, or, more generally, of the suborder Lumbricina.
  3. (figurative) A contemptible person; a groveller.

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