insect

noun4

1. •
   An arthropod (in the Insecta class) characterized by six legs, up to four wings, and a chitinous exoskeleton.

   • Our shed has several insect infestations, including ants, yellowjackets, and wasps.
2. •
   (offensive) A contemptible or powerless person.

   • The manager’s assistant was the worst sort of insect.
3. •
   (no longer used) Any small, creeping, crawling, or slithering animal, excluding mammals, birds, and fish.

   • Ambrose Parey has a picture of the salamander, with a receipt for her bite; but there is no such creature, the name being now given to a poor harmless insect. — 1756
4. •
   (no longer used) An arthropod or invertebrate.

   • The learned zoologist of our country concludes his labours in this science by the present publication, which contains only crustaceous insects, viz. crabs and lobsters, worms and shells. — 1777