n. & adj.
--n.
1. any cold-blooded scaly animal of the class Reptilia, including snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, etc.
2 a mean, grovelling, or repulsive person.
--adj.
1. (of an animal) creeping.
2 mean, grovelling.
Derivatives:
reptilian adj. & n.
Etymology: ME f. LL reptilis f. L repere rept- crawl