Earwig

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Earwig \Ear"wig`\ ([=e]r"w[i^]g`), n. [AS. e['a]rwicga; e['a]re
     ear + wicga beetle, worm: cf. Prov. E. erri-wiggle.]
     1. (Zo["o]l.) Any insect of the genus {Forficula} and related
        genera, belonging to the order {Dermaptera} (formerly
        {Euplexoptera}). They have elongated bodies and a
        prominent pair of curved pincers at the rear of their


        abdomen.
        [1913 Webster + PJC]
  
     2. (Zo["o]l.) In America, any small chilopodous myriapod,
        esp. of the genus {Geophilus}. See {Geophilus}
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Both insects are so called from the supposition that
           they creep into the human ear.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor.
        --Johnson.
        [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Earwig \Ear"wig`\ ([=e]r"w[i^]g`), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
     {Earwigged} ([=e]r"w[i^]gd`); p. pr. & vb. n. {Earwigging}
     ([=e]r"w[i^]g*g[i^]ng).]
     To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered
     insinuations or private talk. "No longer was he earwigged by
     the Lord Cravens." --Lord Campbell.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  earwig
       n : any of numerous insects of the order Dermaptera having
           elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a
           pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen