Dictionary

tree worm en · NOUN

Etymology

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

Meanings

1. A worm that lives in trees, feeding primarily upon woody material.
   • The slimy-nosed tree worm fell off. 2019, Juliet Boyd, The Goblin and a Family Tree:
2. (derogatory, figuratively) A lowly, parasitic individual; slimeball, lowlife.
   • “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.” 2005, Timothy Carter, Attack of the Intergalactic Soul Hunters, page 16:
   • And how does thee think thy steppa felt, knowing yon treeworm might move on at any time, and those two come back? 2012, Stephen King, The Wind Through the Keyhole:

Forms