louse Definition

louse
noun

lice
1. A wingless parasitic insect with a flat body and short legs, which survives by sucking the blood of its host, causing itchiness, and which is transmitted by direct contact, the adults laying eggs (nits) on hair, fur, feathers, clothing, etc.
louses
2. slang
A scornful term of abuse for a person.

verb

loused, lousing
1. To get rid of lice from (clothing, hair, etc).

Derivative: lousing
noun

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon lus.

Phrasal Verb: louse something up

To spoil or ruin it.