arch. Also 7–8 twachel. [Related to twæcce in OE. angol-twæcce, ANGLETWITCH, -TOUCH, earthworm. Cf. TOUCHANGLE, TWEYANGLE.] A name for the earthworm.

1

  Added in the 3rd ed. of Walton’s Angler, and thence in subsequent books on fishing.

2

1661.  Walton, Angler, v. (ed. 3), 92. The twachel or lob-worm, (which of all other is the most excellent bait for a Salmon).

3

1681.  Chetham, Angler’s Vade-m., iv. § 2 (1689), 30. Dew-worm, Garden-worm, Lob-worm or Twatchel are all but one Worm, although called in different Places by all the said Names.

4

1787.  Best, Angling (ed. 2), 16. The Lob-worm, Dew-worm, Garden-worm, Twatchel or Treachet.

5

1865.  A. S. Moffat, Secr. Angling, viii. 164. The Lob, Dew, Twatchel, or Garden Worm.

6