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. 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.

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