tree worm

English

Alternative forms

• tree-worm, treeworm

Etymology

From Middle English tree worme, tre-worme, treworme, from Old English trēowwyrm (“tree-worm, palmerworm”), equivalent to tree +‎ worm.

Noun

tree worm (plural tree worms)

1. A worm that lives in trees, feeding primarily upon woody material.
   • 2019, Juliet Boyd, The Goblin and a Family Tree:

     The slimy-nosed tree worm fell off.

2. (figurative, derogatory) A lowly, parasitic individual; slimeball, lowlife.
   • 2005, Timothy Carter, Attack of the Intergalactic Soul Hunters, page 16:

     “It's enough for me,” Knowlton said.“And if you had the brains to realize it, it would be enough for you, too.” He paused. “You Andromedan treeworm.”

   • 2012, Stephen King, The Wind Through the Keyhole:

     And how does thee think thy steppa felt, knowing yon treeworm might move on at any time, and those two come back?