Biol. [ad. L. vermicul-us, dim. of vermis worm. Cf. VERMICLE.] A small worm or worm-like creature; a maggot or grub. Also attrib.
1713. Derham, Phys.-Theol., VIII. vi. (1716), 391. We see many Vermicules towards the outside of many of the oak-apples.
1778. [W. H. Marshall], Minutes Agric., 24 Jan., 1775. Perhaps, from insects or vermicules, or both, comes smut.
1822–7. Good, Study Med. (1529), IV. 392. A transfer of vermicules from one individual to another.
1898. P. Manson, Trop. Diseases, i. 18. The halteridium … slowly changes form, becoming elongated into a pigmented spindle-shaped body or vermicule.
1899. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., VIII. 943. In the former … there is a corresponding or travelling vermicule stage.
Hence † Vermiculist, a supporter of the view that generation is due to vermicules.
1784. trans. Spallanzani’s Diss. Nat. Hist., II. 249. The three principal systems respecting the generation of animals, the system of the ovarists, that of the vermiculists, and that founded upon the two liquors.
