Category:Earwig

Ear"wig`, n. Etym: [AS. eárwicga; eáre ear + wicga beetle, worm: cf. Prov. E. erri-wiggle.]

1. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Any insect of the genus Forticula and related genera, belonging to the order Euplexoptera.

2. (Zoöl.)

Defn: 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.

earwig Ear"wig`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Earwigged; p. pr. & vb. n. Earwigging.]

Defn: To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered insinuations or private talk. "No longer was he earwigged by the Lord Cravens." Lord Campbell.