varmint

varmint
/vahr"meuhnt/, n.
1. Chiefly Southern and South Midland U.S.
a. vermin.
b. an objectionable or undesirable animal, usually predatory, as a coyote or bobcat.
2. a despicable, obnoxious, or annoying person.
Also, varment.
[1530-40; var. of VERMIN (with regular outcome of ME er before consonant (cf. ARGAL3, PARSON) and parasitic t)]

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • varmint — 1530s, chiefly Amer.Eng. dialectal variant of VERMIN (Cf. vermin). Meaning objectionable or troublesome person is recorded from 1773 …   Etymology dictionary

  • varmint — or varment [vär′mənt] n. [dial. var. of VERMIN, with unhistoric t] [Informal or Dial.] a person or animal regarded as troublesome or objectionable: also used as a generalized epithet of disparagement …   English World dictionary

  • varmint —    This word derives from vermin, which is itself used as a reproachful form of address, but an expression like ‘you young varmint’ means little more than ‘you bad boy’. It is mostly applied, in fact, to a mischievous child, especially a boy, but …   A dictionary of epithets and terms of address

  • varmint — var|mint [ varmınt ] noun count OLD FASHIONED 1. ) someone who causes trouble 2. ) AMERICAN INFORMAL a small animal …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Varmint rifle — is an American English term for a relatively small caliber firearm (or even a high powered air gun) primarily used for varmint hunting killing animals such as coyotes and other vermin considered to be farm pests. The varmint gun fills a design… …   Wikipedia

  • Varmint hunting — For the video game, see Country Varmint Hunter .Varmint hunting is the practice of hunting vermin, generally small mammals targeted as a means of pest control, rather than for food. Varminter may refer to a varmint hunter , or describe hunting… …   Wikipedia

  • Varmint of Burke's Garden — The Varmint of Burke s Garden was the name given to a coyote that terrorized the community of Burke s Garden, Virginia, in 1952. The animal killed over 400 registered sheep and caused damages in excess of $32,000 before being killed.To aid in the …   Wikipedia

  • varmint gun — noun or varmint rifle : varminter …   Useful english dictionary

  • varmint rifle — noun see varmint gun …   Useful english dictionary

  • varmint — noun Etymology: alteration of vermin Date: circa 1539 1. an animal considered a pest; specifically one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law 2. a contemptible person ; rascal; broadly person, fellow …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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