varmint

== English == === Etymology === Dialectal form of vermin, derived from Latin vermis (“worm”), c. 1530–1540s. Perhaps influenced by Latin vargus (“bandit, outlaw, scoundrel”), though the pronunciation in /ɑː(ɹ)/ is more likely due to the same lowering of /ɛr/ > /ar/ found in carve < Middle English kerven and starve < Middle English sterven. The final syllable is probably altered after -ment; compare parchment < Middle English parchemyn. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈvɑːmɪnt/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈvɑɹmɪnt/ === Noun === varmint (plural varmints) A pestilent or predatory ground-borne animal, especially one that kills or harasses a farmer's animals or crops. (by extension) An obnoxious person or troublemaker. ==== Derived terms ==== varminter ==== Translations ==== === References === === Further reading === vermin on Wikipedia.Wikipedia