Phys. [mod.L., a. Gr. λύττα, Attic form of λύσσα LYSSA.] A vermiform structure in the tongue of various carnivora.
In the dog it is vulgarly called ‘the worm,’ and supposed to be a parasite causing liability to rabies.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 363. There is a certaine little worme in dogs tongues, called by a Greeke name Lytta, which if it be taken out when they be young whelpes, they will never after proue mad.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Lyssa or Lytta, Madness, properly of a Dog; also a Worm under a Dog’s Tongue, which makes him mad, if it be not taken out; the greedy Worm.
1889. in Syd. Soc. Lex.
