Ear·wig n.
1. Zoöl. 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.
2. Zoöl. In America, any small chilopodous myriapod, esp. of the genus Geophilus. See 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.
Ear·wig v. t. [imp. & p. p. Earwigged p. pr. & vb. n. Earwigging ] To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered insinuations or private talk. “No longer was he earwigged by the Lord Cravens.”
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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