leech

/ˈlēch/

Middle English leche, from Old English lǣce; akin to Old High German lāhhi physician

noun

  1. any of numerous carnivorous or bloodsucking usually freshwater annelid worms (class Hirudinea) that have typically a flattened lanceolate segmented body with a sucker at each end

  2. a hanger-on who seeks advantage or gain

  3. physician, surgeon

parasite sycophant toady leech sponge mean a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker. parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society. sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

verb

  1. to attach oneself to a person as a leech

  2. to bleed by the use of leeches

  3. to drain the substance of : exhaust

… she would leech on to him and drain the life out of him.

noun

  1. either vertical edge of a square sail

  2. the after edge of a fore-and-aft sail