Obs. The eating of worms into fruit, timber, etc.
1594. Plat, Jewell-ho., I. 36. Steeping of seeds in the infusion of wormewood, centuary, coloquintida, and such like, will defende them from wormeating.
1600. Surflet, Countrie Farme, I. x. 48. Hee shall cleanse them [sc. trees] from wormes, filthines, and worme eatings.
1677. N. Cox, Gentl. Recreat., IV. 15. To preserve these Stocks or Tops from rotting, or worm-eating, rub them over thrice a year with Sallet or Linseed-oyl.
1691. T. H[ale], Acc. New Invent., 40. To make good the damage she brought home by Worm-eating.
