noun pl. lice
- any of an order (Anoplura) of small, flat, wingless insects with sucking mouthparts, parasitic on the skin or hair of humans and some other mammals; esp., the human (Pediculus humanus corporis) and (P. h. capitis)
- any of various arthropods that suck blood or juice from other animals or plants
- bird louse
- any of various other small insects, arachnids, and crustaceans that are not parasitic, as the book louse or wood louse
- Slang a person regarded as mean, contemptible, etc.
Origin:
ME lous < OE lus (pl. lys), akin to Ger laus < IE *lūs > Welsh lleuen, Bret laouen
transitive verb loused, lousing
Rare to delouse