1. a large leech that feeds on the blood of horses and other animals
Usage: also called a horse leech or equine leech
2. a person who is greedy or exploitative; someone who preys on others
Usage: figurative, archaic

Examples

• The farmer found a horseleech attached to his horse's leg after it waded through the pond.
• Horseeleeches can grow quite large compared to other leech species.
• In older texts, a horseleech was used as a metaphor for a greedy merchant.
• The veterinarian removed the horseleech carefully to avoid injuring the animal.
• Horseeleeches are aquatic parasites found in freshwater environments.