Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
The consumer. Used in the Old Testament (1 Kings 8:37; 2 Chr. 6:28; Ps. 78:46; Isa. 33:4) as the translation of a word (hasil) the root of which means “to devour” or “consume,” and which is used also with reference to the locust in Deut. 28:38. It may have been a species of locust, or the name of one of the transformations through which the locust passes, locust-grub. ), Joel 1:4; 2:25.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
The representative in the Authorized Version of the Hebrew word chasil and yelek .
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
CAT'ERPILLAR (the consumer), probably another word for locusts in their immature or wingless state, appearing in vast numbers and of most destructive voracity. 1 Kgs 8:37. Hence they were often employed as the agents in the execution of God's judgments, Ps 78:46 and Ps 105:34, and figuratively represent a great multitude. Isa 33:4; Jer 51:14, Gen 1:27. They were regarded as among the most desolating visitations of God's hand.