blindworm

Definition

Anguis fragilis (slowworm), a small species of legless lizard.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English blynde worme, equivalent to blind + worm due to its very small eyes. Cognate with Swedish blindorm, blindödla.

Example Sentences

• "[…] we haue a blind worme to be found vnder logs in woods, and timber that hath lien long in a place, which some also doo call (and vpon better ground) by the name of [s]low worms, and they are knowen easilie by their more or lesse varietie of striped colours, drawen long waies from their heads, their whole bodies little excéeding a foot in length, & yet is there venem deadlie."
• "You spotted snakes with double tongue, Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen; Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong, Come not near our fairy queen."
• ""But I'll give you a bit of advice! Take a blindworm - I'll find you one - and ram it into the barrel of your gun and then fire it, after that you may try what powder and shot will do.""