leech meaning and definition

LEECH noun

Definition of leech (noun)

1. carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end
   • synonyms: bloodsucker, hirudinean
2. a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage
   • synonyms: parasite, sponge, sponger

LEECH verb

Definition of leech (verb)

1. draw blood
   • "In the old days, doctors routinely bled patients as part of the treatment"
   • synonyms: bleed, phlebotomise, phlebotomize