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

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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

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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

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