EARWIG
earwig
(noun) 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
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
earwig (plural earwigs)
Any of various insects of the order Dermaptera that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.
A flatterer.
Synonyms
• (insect of order Dermaptera): forkytail (dialectal), pincher bug
Verb
earwig (third-person singular simple present earwigs, present participle earwigging, simple past and past participle earwigged)
(transitive) To fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.
(transitive) To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.
(intransitive, UK, slang) To eavesdrop.
(transitive, UK, slang) To eavesdrop on.
Source: Wiktionary
Ear"wig`, n. Etym: [AS. eárwicga; eáre ear + wicga beetle, worm: cf.
Prov. E. erri-wiggle.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Definition: Any insect of the genus Forticula and related genera, belonging
to the order Euplexoptera.
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: In America, any small chilopodous myriapod, esp. of the genus
Geophilus.
Note: Both insects are so called from the supposition that they creep
into the human ear.
3. A whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor. Johnson.
Ear"wig`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Earwigged; p. pr. & vb. n. Earwigging.]
Definition: To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered
insinuations or private talk. "No longer was he earwigged by the Lord
Cravens." Lord Campbell.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition