Wood'-louse, n.

n. (Entom.) An insect of the genus Oniscus, inhabiting gardens, old walls, cellars, and other damp places. It feeds upon decayed animal and vegetable matter. Its branchial feet perform the part of true lungs, as inclosing hollow organs into which the atmospheric air can enter by openings variously disposed. Baird.

There is an insect they call a wood-louse, That folds itself up in itself, for a house, As round as a ball. Swift.