The action or an act of abusing or being abused, abuse; deception. Also: a source of abuse or deception.
figurative. An issue which, once broached, gives rise to many complicated problems; a matter in which interference is unwise. Frequently with of.
An earthworm, or a larva (see senses 3 5 above). In colloquial phrase (to open) a can of worms, (to address) a complex and largely unexamined…