hellgrammite

[ hel-gruh-mahyt ]

noun

1. the aquatic larva of a dobsonfly, used as bait in fishing.

hellgrammite

/ ˈhɛlɡrəˌmaɪt /

noun

1. the larva of the dobsonfly, about 10 cm long with biting mouthparts: used as bait for bass Also calleddobson

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellgrammite¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellgrammite¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

When the dobson is full grown, it is called a hellgrammite fly or horned corydalis.

From Project Gutenberg

They bring us our chow and say it is angleworm and hellgrammite porridge as that is what the Subterro denizens live on mostly.

From Project Gutenberg