vermin

Meaning

Noun

• Any one of various common types of small insects or animals which cause harm and annoyance.
• Animals that prey on game, such as foxes or weasels.
• Obnoxious, or mean and offensive person or people.

Origin

• From Middle English vermyn, from Anglo-Norman and Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin *verminum ("vermin"), collective noun formed from Latin vermis ("worm"). See also worm.