Emily Dickinson Lexicon

REP'TILE, a. [Fr. from L. reptilis, from repo, to creep, Gr. ερπω; It. rettile; Sp. reptil. See Creep. The primary sense is probably to rub or scrape, or to seize.]

1. Creeping; moving on the belly, or with small feet.
2. Groveling; low; vulgar; as, a reptile race or crew; reptile vices. – Burke.