Vermin

Vermin (Fr. vermine, through vermineus from Lat. vermis, 'a worm'), a worm or grub; more usually obnoxious insects, as bugs, fleas, and lice; troublesome animals, such as mice, rats; animals destructive to game, such as weasels, polecats, also hawks and owls. Badgers and otters come under this name; and the fox is called vermin, but without disrespect. See the articles on the various animals named; also INSECT-POWDER.