moth-eaten

See also: motheaten

English

Pronunciation

  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Adjective

moth-eaten (comparative more moth-eaten, superlative most moth-eaten)

  1. Containing holes by having been eaten by moth larvae.
  2. (figurative, by extension) Old and in poor condition.
    • 1950, Norman Lindsay, Dust or Polish?, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 72:
      "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."

Translations

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