ˈvərmə̇n, ˈvə̄m-, ˈvəim- noun
( plural vermin ; usually plural in construction )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French vermin, vermine, from Latin vermis worm
1. : animals obnoxious to man: as
a. : small animals (as lice, bedbugs, mice) that tend to occur in great numbers, are difficult to control, and are offensive as well as injurious
b. : birds and mammals (as owls and weasels) that prey upon game
c. : animals that at a particular time and place compete with man or his domestic animals (as for food)
deer are considered vermin in New Zealand
2. : a noxious or offensive person or persons