†c.to worm a person in the nose: to extract information from him by adroit questioning. Obsolete.Cf. French tirer à quelqu'un les vers du nez.
ΘΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > interrogation > extract information [verb (intransitive)]
questiona1470
to worm a person in the nose1613
pump1654
1613 T. Milles tr. P. Mexia et al. Treasurie Auncient & Moderne Timesix. xxii. 953/2 I haue so cunningly wormed my husband in the nose; that he hath discouered vnto me, more Mony then hee acquainted you withall.