Reptile

Definitions

1. Any member of the class Reptilia that is not a bird— a cold-blooded vertebrate with dry scales that usually lays eggs, such as a lizard, snake, turtle, tortoise, crocodile, alligator, etc.
   informal
2. Any member of Reptilia, including birds.
3. A reptile or amphibian.
   broadly, historical
4. A mean, grovelling, loathsome or repulsive person.
   dated, figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“This work⟳ may, indeed, be considered as a great creation of our own⟳; and for a little reptile of a critic to presume to find⟳ fault with any of its parts, without knowing the manner in which the whole is connected, and before he comes to the final catastrophe, is a most presumptuous absurdity.”

“"That reptile," whispered Pott, catching Mr. Pickwick by the arm, and pointing towards the stranger. "That reptile — Slurk, of the Independent!"”

“[…] If I pitied you for crying and looking so very frightened, you should spurn such pity. Ellen, tell⟳ him how disgraceful this conduct is. Rise⟳, and don’t degrade yourself into an abject reptile—don’t!”

CEFR level