Dictionary entry

Bookworm

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Book″worm′ (–wûrm′), n. 1. (Zoöl.) Any larva of a beetle or moth, which is injurious to books. Many species are known.

2. A student closely attached to books or addicted to study; a reader without appreciation.

I wanted but a black gown and a salary to be as mere a bookworm as any there.

Pope.