Search the Dictionary

A coleopterous insect of the genus Lampyris; esp., the wingless females and larvæ of the two European species (L. noctiluca, and L. splendidula), which emit light from some of the abdominal segments. Like a glowworm in the night, The which hath fire in darkness, none in light. Shak.

The aquatic larva of a gnat; -- called also, colloquially, wiggler.

A species of wood used in the construction of Noah's ark. Gen. vi. 14.

The fluke of sheep. See Fluke.

A coarse umbelliferous plant of Europe (Ægopodium Podagraria); -- called also bishop's weed, ashweed, and herb gerard.

Pertaining to a greenwood; as, a greenwood shade. Dryden.

Artificial and ornamental rockwork in imitation of a grotto. Cowper.

That which forms the foundation or support of anything; the basis; the essential or fundamental part; first principle. Dryden.

See Grub, n., 1. And gnats and grubworms crowded on his view. C. Smart.

The larva or grub of a large South American beetle (Calandra palmarum), which lives in the pith of palm trees and sugar cane. It is eaten by the natives, and esteemed a delicacy.

Work performed, or results obtained, by guess; conjecture.

A plant, Globularia Alypum, a violent purgative, found in Africa.

A labiate plant (the Lycopus Europæus). Gypsies are said to stain their skin with its juice.

A nematoid worm of the genus Gordius, resembling a hair. See Gordius.

Half the length of a sword; close fight. "At half-sword." Shak.

Work done by the hands; hence, any work done personally. The firmament showeth his handiwork. Ps. xix. 1.

See Handiwork.

A coarse umbelliferous plant of Europe (Tordylium maximum).

The asarabacca.

Mental labor.