Maggot
/ˈmæɡ.ət/noun
The larva of a fly, especially one found in decaying matter.
Did you know?English maggot began as a dialect word for a larva, and its exact origin is uncertain, which makes it a rare case where the horror is real but the etymology stays shadowy.
Etymological Timeline
Early Modern English
English
maggot
“A fly larva; a small worm-like creature found in rotting material.”
16th Century
English
magot
“A larva or grub; also a term used in dialectal English.”
Middle English
English
maggot
“A worm or grub; the form appears in regional and colloquial use.”
Origin uncertain
Unknown
—
“No secure earlier source has been established by standard reference works.”
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