muckworm

American  

[muhk-wurm] / ˈmʌkˌwɜrm /

noun

1. (not in technical use) the larva of any of several insects, as the dung beetle, which lives in or beneath manure.

2. a miser.

---

muckworm British  

/ ˈmʌkˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any larva or worm that lives in mud

2. informal a miser

---

Etymology

Origin of muckworm

First recorded in 1590–1600; muck + worm

Example Sentences

If the Old Lord Chatham were now alive, he would speak with respect of the muckworm, as he called the 'Change Alley people.

From Project Gutenberg

The muckworm is no longer a creeping thing; it rears its head aloft, and makes the haughty borough-lords sneak about in holes and corners.'...

From Project Gutenberg

The "muckworm" Cottington, as Browning calls him, suggested the sentence which was carried out.

From Project Gutenberg

I am sick To think her wretched masters, Hamilton, The muckworm Cottington, the maniac Laud, May yet be longed-for back again.

From Project Gutenberg

But alas, the stir, the scramble, the mad whirl of city life, the debasing contact with low material minds, the daily study of Prices Current, make even of me a muckworm.

From Project Gutenberg