anguilla, ae, f. dim. [anguis, Varr. L. L. 5, § 77 Müll.; but it may be directly con. with Gr. ἔγχελυς; v. anguis], an eel.
I Lit.: Muraena anguilla, Linn.; Plin. 9, 21, 38, § 74 al.; Juv. 5, 103.—
II Trop.: anguilla est, elabitur, he is an eel; he slips away , is a slippery fellow , prov. of a sly man, Plaut. Ps. 2, 4, 56.—
III The hard skin of an eel , used as a whip in schools , Verr. ap. Plin. 9, 23, 39, 77; Isid. Orig. 5, 27.