Zool. [Cf. Da. blindorm: so called from the smallness of its eyes.] A reptile (Anguis fragilis) also called Slow-worm. (Formerly applied also to the Adder.)
c. 1450. Gloss., in Wr.-Wülcker, Voc., 706. Hec scutula, a blyndworme. Ibid. (c. 1480), 766. Idrus, idra, matrix, a blyndwurme.
1590. Shaks., Mids. N., II. ii. 11. Newts and blinde wormes do no wrong.
1712. H. Sloane, in Phil. Trans., XXVII. 491. We caused a Whelp to be bit … by a Blind-Worm.
1763. Brit. Mag., IV. 352. He was stung by a blind-worm, for so they call them here.
1772. Pennant, Tours Scotl. (1774), 240. Any kind of serpent except the harmless blind worm.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., III. v. There the slow blind-worm left his slime.
