Angleworm
/ˈæŋ.ɡəlˌwɝːm/noun
A small worm or earthworm, especially one used as fishing bait.
Did you know?The first element, *angle*, comes from the same ancient Germanic root as the hook-shaped tool used to catch fish, so the word literally names a worm by its relationship to a hook.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*angulaz
“hook, fishhook”
Old English
OE
angel
“fishhook”
Middle English
ME
angel worm
“worm used as bait for fishing”
Modern English
English
angleworm
“an earthworm or similar worm used as fishing bait”