1. A bird or other creature that feeds on worms; spec. the Worm-eating Warbler (see below).
1760. G. Edwards, Glean. Nat. Hist., II. 200. The Worm-eater [of Pennsylvania].
1831. Swainson & Richardson, Fauna Bor.-Amer., II. 221. Sylvicola (Vermivora) peregrina.… Tennessee Worm-eater.
1878. J. Buller, New Zealand, I. v. 39. A desperate gang headed by a chief called ‘Kaitoke’ (worm-eater).
2. [f. WORM-EATEN.] (See quots.)
1890. Boston (Mass.) Jrnl., 22 April, 2/3. A man … gave his occupation as that of a worm-eater…. He said he was employed by a furniture manufacturer to fire shot at furniture so as to give it a worm-eaten appearance.
1900. Daily Mail, 31 Oct. Worm-eaters … assist the makers of spurious oak furniture to deceive the public by drilling worm holes into the wood so as to give it an ancient appearance.
