dow worm n [Du dauwworm (literally “dew worm”) ringworm or a similar condition, attested 1698→; cf OE dēaw-wyrm.] NEast obs Cf dew worm n 2
Ringworm or a similar condition, esp of the scalp.
1776 in 1975 Jay John Jay Unpubl. Papers 1.246 seNY, How does our little Boy do? Have your apprehensions of his getting the Dow Worm proved groundless? 1818 Med. Repository ns 4.42 NYC, The form of that complaint [=scrofula] is also various. Hence its appellations of rickets, king’s evil, white swellings, dow worm, &c. 1832 (1833) Beach Amer. Practice Med. 2.443, Dow Worm, or Scald Head—(Tinea Capitis.) This disease consists in a chronic inflammation of the skin of the head. 1840 NY Herald (NY) [20 Nov 3]/4, [Advt:] This incomparable specific is an infallible remedy for the Salt Rheum, as well as for Tetter, Dow Worm, Ringworm, Jackson or Barber’s itch, and all other cutaneous diseases. 1869 Reading Times (PA) 23 Nov [2]/3, [Advt:] Dr. Royce . . will attend to the treatment of Asthma, . . Scald Head or Dow-Worm, Worms of all kinds, . . and Diseases generally. 1887 Chase Dr. Chase’s Third Receipt Book 198, This disease [=milk scab] is also known as tinea capitis and dow worm.