Obs. Forms: 4–5 worte worm (6 worme), 5 wort worme, -wyrme, wurtwurme. [f. WORT sb. + WORM sb.] A caterpillar that feeds on worts or cabbages.

1

1388.  Wyclif, Joel i. 4. A locuste eet the residue of a worte worm [L. residuum erucæ].

2

c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 532/2. Wort wyrme, þat etythe wortys, eruca.

3

c. 1440.  Palladius on Husb., I. 880. Tak Iuce of hennebane With sour aysel,… Ereither wol be wortewormys bane.

4

1496.  Bk. St. Albans, Fishing, ij b. In August take wortwormes & magotes.

5

1530.  Palsgr., 250/2. Worte worme.

6