pricklouse

English

Etymology

From prick +‎ louse.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɪklaʊs/

Noun

pricklouse (plural pricklice)

1. (derogatory, archaic) A tailor.
   • 1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], →OCLC:

     When she was under Water, and could call him Pricklouse no longer with her Lips, she held up her Hands over her Head

2. (derogatory, archaic) A lousy person.
   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, translated by John Florio, The Essayes […], London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC:
     , II.32:

     that woman […] by no threats or stripes would leave to call her husband pricke-lowse [translating pouilleux], and being cast into a pond and duckt under water, lifted up her hands, and joyning her two thumbs-nailes in act to kill lice above her head, seemed to call him lousie still […].