vermiculate

[Latin vermiculatus =(1) full of worms, (2) inlaid so as to resemble the tracks of worms, from vermiculus =a vermicule (q. v.).] I. Ordinary Language: 1. Lit .: Worm-like in shape or appearance; covered with worm-like elevations. *2. Fig .: Creeping or crawling like a worm; hence, creeping, insinuating, sophistical. "Idle, unwholesome, and, as I may term them, vermic ulate questions."- Bacon : Advance. of Learning , bk. i. †II. Bot .: Of a vermilion color. ver-mic-u-lat-ed, a . [ Eng.vermiculat ( e ) ; -ed .] Formed with a worm-like pattern. [VERMICULAR.] ver-mic-u-lā-tion, s. [Latin vermiculatio , from vermiculatus =vermiculate (q. v.).] 1. The act or proce of moving after the manner of a worm; continuation of motion from one part to another, as in the peristaltic motion of the intes tines. "My guts [move] by the motion of vermiculation ."Hale: Orig. of Mankind , p. 31. 2. The act or proce of forming worm-like ornaments; a worm-like ornament or body of any kind. 3. The state of being worm-eaten; the act of piercing or boring through, as by worms. "This huge olive, which flourished so long, fell, as they say, of vermiculation , being all worm-eaten within."Howell: Vocall Forest , p. 70. *ver'-mi-cule, *ver'-mi-cle, s. [Lat. vermicu lus .] [VERMICULAR.] A little grub or worm; a small, worm-like body. "Wesee many vermicles toward the outside of many of the oak apples."-Derham: Physico- Theology , bk. viii., ch. vi.