Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

COB-WORM, n. comb. “The larva of the Cock-chaffer, Scarabaeus Melolontha. They continue for four years greyish-white worms, with six feet, feeding much on the roots of corn, and being themselves a favourite food of rooks” (Sc. 1808 Jam.). “Used in Fif. for the worm found in the root of the dock, much valued as trout bait” (Fif.¹⁰ 1936). Also in reduced form cob.Fif. 1795 Stat. Acc.¹ XIII. 29:
At the same time the destruction they [the rooks] do in this way, very probably is in a great measure balanced by the very effectual assistance they give in destroying the cob-worm.Fif. 1863 St Andrews Gaz. (27 June): 
The cereal crops are looking remarkably well, with the exception of a few fields on which the 'cob' has been very destructive.