Bible Dictionary
Horseleech
A horseleech is a blood-sucking leech, probably the generic term for such aquatic creatures. The word occurs in Proverbs as an example of insatiable appetite.
Definition
Horseleech is a generic term for a leech or other blood-sucking annelid. The word refers to an aquatic creature that feeds by attaching itself to a living host.
Biblical Usage
The term occurs once in Proverbs, where the horseleech illustrates an appetite that continually demands more and is never satisfied.
Historical Background
The supplied material gives no further geographical or cultural background beyond identifying the term with a species or generic class of leech.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Heb. ’alukah, occurs once only, viz. (Proverbs 30:16) There is little doubt that ’alukah denotes some species of leech, or rather is the generic term for any blood-sucking annelid.