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Webster 1913 Edition
Vermin
Ver′min
,Noun.
sing.
& pl.
[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.]
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and
vermin
, and worms, and fowls. Acts x. 12. (Geneva Bible).
This crocodile is a mischievous fourfooted beast, a dangerous
vermin
, used to both elements. Holland.
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.
Great injuries these
vermin
, mice and rats, do in the field. Mortimer.
They disdain such
vermin
when the mighty boar of the forest . . . is before them. Burke.
3.
Hence, in contempt, noxious human beings.
You are my prisoners, base
vermin
. Hudibras.
Webster 1828 Edition
Vermin
VERM'IN
,Noun.
1.
All sorts of small animals which are destructive to grain or other produce; all noxious little animals or insects, as squirrels, rats, mice, worms, grubs, flies, &c.These vermin do great injuries in the field.
2.
Used of noxious human beings in contempt; as base vermin.Definition 2024
vermin
vermin
English
Noun
vermin (countable and uncountable, plural vermin or vermins)
- (countable or uncountable) Any one of various common types of small insects or animals which cause harm and annoyance. [from c. 1300]
- The area was plagued by all sorts of vermin: fleas, lice, mice, and rats to name a few.
- (countable or uncountable) Animals that prey on game, such as foxes or weasels.
- (countable or uncountable) Obnoxious, or mean and offensive person or people. [from 1560s]
- Bring these gypsy vermin to the Palace of Justice.
Translations
Any one of various common types of small insects or animals which cause harm and annoyance
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An obnoxious, or mean and offensive person