louse

Definitions

1. 1noun

   Any one of numerous species of small, wingless, suctorial, parasitic insects belonging to a tribe (Pediculina), now usually regarded as degraded Hemiptera. To this group belong of the lice of man and other mammals; as, the head louse of man (Pediculus capitis), the body louse (P. vestimenti), and the crab louse (Phthirius pubis), and many others. See Crab louse, Dog louse, Cattle louse, etc., under Crab, Dog, etc.

2. 2noun

   Any one of numerous small mandibulate insects, mostly parasitic on birds, and feeding on the feathers. They are known as Mallophaga, or bird lice, though some occur on the hair of mammals. They are usually regarded as degraded Pseudoneuroptera. See Mallophaga.

3. 3noun

   Any one of the numerous species of aphids, or plant lice. See Aphid.

4. 4noun

   Any small crustacean parasitic on fishes. See Branchiura Ichthvophthira.

5. 5transitive verb

   To clean from lice.

6. 6noun

   wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals

7. 7noun

   wingless insect with mouth parts adapted for biting; mostly parasitic on birds

8. 8noun

   any of several small insects especially aphids that feed by sucking the juices from plants

9. 9noun

   a person who has a nasty or unethical character undeserving of respect

   Synonyms

   insectworm