horseleech

[ hawrs-leech ]

noun

1. a large leech, as Haemopis marmoratis, that infests the mouth and nasal passages of horses.

horseleech

/ ˈhɔːsˌliːtʃ /

noun

1. any of several large carnivorous freshwater leeches of the genus Haemopis, esp H. sanguisuga
2. See veterinary surgeon
   an archaic name for a veterinary surgeon

Word History and Origins

Origin of horseleech¹

First recorded in 1400–50, horseleech is from the late Middle English word horsleych. See horse, leech ¹

Example Sentences

The door of the caf was guarded by two young and unbeautiful descendants of the horseleech's daughters.

From Project Gutenberg

Morales had, however, made his horseleech nature tolerably plain already, and Appleby decided to stand firm.

From Project Gutenberg

Horseleech, to be candid, far from being a clever fellow, is one of the most barren rascals on record.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is expressed the extremity of necessitous extortions, figured in the ancient fable of the full and the hungry horseleech.

From Project Gutenberg

She is become the horseleech's daughter and my mill doesn't grind fast enough to suit her.

From Project Gutenberg