Entry Word: worm

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits <settlements worming into lands reserved for the natives> — see encroach
2 to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way <the swindler wormed himself into their trust> — see insinuate
3 to move slowly with the body close to the ground <the cat wormed along the ground as it snuck up on the bird> — see crawl 1