n. & v.
n. 1 (pl. lice) a a parasitic insect, Pediculus humanus, infesting the human hair and skin and transmitting various diseases. b any insect of the order Anoplura or Mallophaga parasitic on mammals, birds, fish, or plants. 2 sl. (pl. louses) a contemptible or unpleasant person.
v.tr. remove lice from. louse up sl. make a mess of.
[ OE lus, pl. lys ]