moth-eaten adjective3 •Containing holes by having been eaten by moth larvae. •(figurative) Old and in poor condition; worn-out."A bit moth-eaten, aren't they?" he said doubtfully. "I mean to say, bumpy in the springs and all that." "Oh, of course, I'd have them resprung and fresh covers made if you bought them." — 1950 •(figurative) Antiquated; having been in use a long time.‘It’s got a file and rope ladder in it and if you was a bit older I’d make you eat them both raw for trying to put such a moth-eaten old wheeze over on me.’ — 1936 formsmore moth-eaten · most moth-eaten