blindworm

Noun

blindworm (plural blindworms)

1. Anguis fragilis (slowworm), a small species of legless lizard.
   • […] we haue a blind worme to be found vnder logs in woods, and timber that hath lien long in a place, which some also doo call (and vpon better ground) by the name of [s]low worms, and they are knowen easilie by their more or lesse varietie of striped colours, drawen long waies from their heads...1577, Raphaell Holinshed, “[(please specify the book title).] Chapter 6.”, in The Firste Volume of the Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande […], volume I, London: […] [Henry Bynneman] for...
   • You spotted snakes with double tongue,
     Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen;
     Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong,
     Come not near our fairy queen.c. 1595–1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “A Midsommer Nights Dreame”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First...