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.
