An inadvertent step may crush the snail That crawls
at evening in the public path; But he that has
humanity, forewarned, Will tread aside, and let the
reptile live. --Cowper.
2. (Zo["o]l.) One of the Reptilia, or one of the Amphibia.
Note: The amphibians were formerly classed with Reptilia, and
are still popularly called reptiles, though much more
closely allied to the fishes.
3. A groveling or very mean person.
2. Hence: Groveling; low; vulgar; as, a reptile race or crew;
reptile vices.
There is also a false, reptile prudence, the result
not of caution, but of fear. --Burke.
And dislodge their reptile souls From the bodies and
forms of men. --Coleridge.