Beggar-lice is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is an interesting word that has a peculiar meaning. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of beggar-lice, its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Beggar-lice is a term used to describe the seeds of a plant called sticktight or beggar’s tick. These seeds are small and have tiny hooks that attach themselves to clothing, animal fur, or human hair. They are difficult to remove and can cause itching and irritation.
Origin
The term beggar-lice is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States. It was used to describe the seeds of the sticktight plant that were commonly found in fields and pastures. The term is derived from the fact that the seeds resemble lice and are often found on beggars.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Beggar-lice is not a commonly used term, and therefore, it is not found in most dictionaries. However, some online dictionaries define the term as the seeds of the sticktight plant that attach themselves to clothing, animal fur, or human hair.
Associations
Beggar-lice is associated with the sticktight plant, which is a common weed found in many parts of the world. The plant is known for its small seeds that can cause irritation and discomfort when they attach themselves to clothing, animal fur, or human hair.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for beggar-lice. However, some related terms include sticktight, beggar’s tick, and burr.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for beggar-lice.
The same root words
There are no root words associated with beggar-lice.
Example Sentences
- I went for a walk in the field and got beggar-lice all over my pants.
- The dog came back from the walk with beggar-lice stuck to its fur.
- She spent hours picking out the beggar-lice from her hair after the hike.
In conclusion, beggar-lice is a term used to describe the seeds of the sticktight plant that attach themselves to clothing, animal fur, or human hair. The term is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States and is derived from the fact that the seeds resemble lice and are often found on beggars. Despite being a less commonly used term, it is interesting to learn about the origin and associations of this peculiar word.