| 释义 |
† ˈchestworm Obs.
[Cf. cheslock.]
A pill millipede, or wood-louse. It is doubtful whether quot. 1639 is a fig. use of this, or a distinct compound, meaning ‘worm within the chest or breast’.
1544Phaër Regim. Lyfe (1560) B iv, Also the chestwormes that are founde betwene the barkes of trees, whych wyll tourne themselves together like a beade when they be touched. a1639S. Ward Serm. 60 (D.) Universal tortures..of which the pangs of childbirth..gnawings of chest⁓worms, drinks of gall and wormwood, are but shadows. Ibid. 98 (D.) The..reproofs of it [conscience]..gnawing more than any chest-worm, tormenting worse than hot pincers. |