̘. ̈n.laus n. & v. --n. 1 (pl. lice) a a parasitic
insect, Pediculus humanus, infesting
the human hair and skin and transmitting
various diseases. b
any insect of the
order Anoplura or Mallophaga parasitic on mammals, birds, fish, or plants. 2 sl. (pl. louses) a
contemptible or
unpleasant person. --v.tr.
remove lice from. ølouse up sl.
make a
mess of. [OE lus, pl. lys]