vermin

The story

1. Latin · derived fromvermis“worm”
2. Vulgar Latin · derived from*verminum“vermin”
3. Old French · derived fromvermine
4. Middle English · inherited fromvermyn
5. English todayvermin

From Middle English vermyn, vermyne, from Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin *verminum (“vermin”), collective noun formed from Latin vermis (“worm”). Compare vermiculate and vermivorous. See also worm.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from c. 1300 Any of various common types of small insects or other animals which cause harm and annoyance.
• from 1560s An obnoxious or mean and offensive person.