Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > I’dle Worms.

 Idle Wheel.I’dleness. 
CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
 
I’dle Worms.
 
It was once supposed that little worms were bred in the fingers of idle servants. To this Shakespeare alludes—   1
       
“A round little worm
       
Pricked from the lazy finger of a maid.”
       
Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, i. 4.
 


 Idle Wheel.I’dleness. 

 
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