Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Earth-worm

EARTH-WORM, or Lumbricus, L. a well known insect, which is destitute of feet; it is of an oblong form; round shape, and covered with a soft, slender skin, marked with annular ridges and furrows. It is common in all parts of this country, at little depths beneath the surface of the earth; and is not unfrequently found in the human intestines, as well as in those of the lower animals; in which state it has been supposed to be a different creature, and is therefore called by various names.—See Worms.

Earth-worms were formerly reputed to be of great virtue in medicine; but are at present more usefully employed in feeding poultry and other birds.