louse
nounmasculine/piˈoʎu/medium
pi·o·lho
Definitions
1A small, wingless parasitic insect (order Phthiraptera) that lives on the scalp, body, or clothing of humans and other mammals, feeding on their blood.
The school sent out a notice about an outbreak of head lice.
She used a special shampoo to get rid of the lice.
Common collocations
head licelice infestationto kill lice
2Figuratively, a mean, stingy, or contemptible person.
That louse never buys a round of drinks.
Don't associate with that louse.
Etymology
Do latim 'peducŭlus'.