/errth"werrm'/ , n.
1. any one of numerous annelid worms that burrow in soil and feed on soil nutrients and decaying organic matter.
2. Archaic. a mean or groveling person.
[ 1400-50; late ME ertheworm. See EARTH, WORM ]
Regional Variation . The EARTHWORM, a commonly used bait for angling, is also called an ANGLEWORM in the Northern U.S. and a FISHWORM in the Northern and Midland U.S. and in New England. It is called a FISHING WORM in parts of the Midland and Southern U.S., and a WIGGLER in the Southern U.S.
Because the worm often comes to the surface of the earth when the ground is cool or wet, it is also called a NIGHTWALKER in New England, a NIGHTCRAWLER, chiefly in the Northern, North Midland, and Western U.S., and a DEW WORM, chiefly in the Inland North and Canada. It is also called a RED WORM in the North Central, South Midland, and Southern U.S.